Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia Cicala - 2017

Wine Advocate 91: The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2017 Barolo Bussia Cicala reveals a deep garnet color with some dark copper. Like the other 2017 wines from this celebrated producer, I can't help but suspect that these areas of Bussia suffered from the heat and some of the other weather challenges associated with this growing season. A clear note of overt ripeness comes across as dried strawberry or sweet crème de cassis. The finish is similarly weighed down by the fruit weight and oak tannins.

James Suckling 96: Sweet berries and cherries with strawberries and flowers, such as violets and roses. Full-bodied, yet extremely refined and polished with beautiful finesse and length. Very long and intense. Drink after 2024.

Wine Spectator 95: A solid, powerful style, this expressive red is well-marked by new oak, with plum, cherry, cigar box, menthol and sun-kissed hay flavors. Balanced and lively, with refined tannins and a long, spice-infused finish. 

James Suckling 95: Aromas of very ripe berries, together with touches of earthy spice and licorice and a hint of balsamic. Full-to medium-bodied and focused with firm, grainy but not chewy tannins that push the fruit and oak-spice through the long finish. Very nicely structured for the vintage. Give it a few years for the wine to blossom.

Wine Spectator 95: Mulled plum, leather, sweet tobacco, camphor, tar and oak spice aromas and flavors show fine depth and intensity in this red, which boasts a broad, dense structure, with tannins that dominate the finish for now. Shows fine balance, length and complexity, but needs time.