2012 Barolo Riserva
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The 2012 Barolo Ginestra Riserva is gorgeous. Fresh, aromatic and beautifully lifted, the 2012 is all grace. Ginestra Barolos are often brawny and powerful. Conterno's 2012 stands out for its sensuality, finesse and total sense of harmony. Bright acids perk up a core of sweet red berry fruit as the 2012 gradually reveals its many charms.
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Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This Riserva ages in botte grand for six long years before the wine is brought to market. The Paolo Conterno 2012 Barolo Ginestra Riserva brings us back in time to a warm vintage and a short growing season. This wine is drinking beautifully right now, as the folks back at the winery have taken care of the cellar aging for you. Fruit comes from a south-facing plot in Ginestra (in Monforte d'Alba) that is planted to 40-year-old vines some 300 to 350 meters above sea level. This is the perfect positioning for Nebbiolo grapes. The wine unfolds to reveal dark fruit, tilled earth, crushed violets and candied orange peel. There is plenty of that distinctive Nebbiolo tar and licorice as well. This is a vintage of power and width. Some 4,000 bottles were made.
Looking really beautiful at the moment. Balance of autumnal undergrowth, perfumed fruit and damsons. Finely tuned tannins, chalky and present and supported by good fresh acidity. This is a complete wine that is in a sweet spot. (AC)
The 2012 Barolo Riserva Ginestra is richer and deeper than the straight Barolo Ginestra, but it also has more tannic heft that may or may not fully integrate. In the grand scheme of things, the two Barolos from Ginestra aren’t that meaningfully different at this stage in the game.