Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia

Medium-bodied with spicy fruit and mineral flavours, this wine shows a dark but strong quality of fruit that speaks more to the power of this nuanced side of Nebbiolo, slowly coming together to reveal broad layers of dark cherry, cassis and plum. Well-structured with its bright acidity and firm tannins.

2017

Wine Advocate 92: The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2017 Barolo Bussia shows a dark but busy quality of fruit that speaks more to the power of this hot vintage than it does the nuanced side of Nebbiolo. In this respect, the wine is quite typical of the 2017 growing season. It takes a while before the wine finds focus in the glass, but it does slowly come together to reveal broad layers of dark cherry, cassis and plum. There is some tannic tightness that leads to sour berry. A bit awkward at this young stage, it needs a few more years of cellar age to flesh out and reach balance.

James Suckling 96: This is so aromatic and beautiful with cherry, berry, hazelnut and Indian spices. It’s full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that show form and brilliance. It’s extremely long and sophisticated. Tight at the finish.

2018

James Suckling 93: Pleasant dried red berries, pressed flowers and some brazil nut on the nose. Medium-bodied with spicy fruit flavors. The tannins are more in the back seat this year and this gives the mid-palate quite an open-knit mouth-feel. Finishes a little tighter with good fruit and spice.

Wine Spectator 93: A ripe style, this reveals macerated plum, cherry, spice, hay, tobacco and mineral flavors. This has an elegant feel, despite the dense, refined tannins, with a lasting mouthwatering impression.