1999 Barolo Riserva Gran Bussia
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Tasting notes
Magnum. Not quite ready but magnificent. Tight, fine and vibrant with the tannins still in evidence but already a haunting perfume. Absolutely classic and a real treat to taste it. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Conterno's 1999 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is one of the more forward, accessible wines of the year. Worn-in leather, spices, tobacco, menthol and licorice are some of the notes that lift from the glass. Now that some of the baby fat is beginning to melt away, the tannins are becoming more incisive. The 1999 Granbussia is a pretty wine, but it is not built for the long haul.
The 1999 Granbussia almost certainly suffers from following such an iconic wine in the 1988. In this context, the 1999 comes across as a relatively delicate, forward Granbussia with mid-weight structure and solid overall balance.
The 1999 Barolo Riserva Granbussia, medium ruby in color, presents classic Barolo nuances of roses, tar, minerals and spices on the nose. It is expansive on the palate, with vibrant layers of ripe fruit, great length and fine, noble tannins. Although it is fairly accessible for the vintage it will be even better in a few years, after which it will provide rewarding drinking for at least another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799