Giacomo Conterno - Barolo Cerretta 2019 (1.5L)

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Universally regarded as the greatest wine producer in all of Italy! In the old days, Conterno did what many Barolo producers did back then, and they purchased grapes. But since the 1970s they have shifted gears and have focused instead on acquiring a collection of amazing vineyards in Serralunga and producing wines exclusively from their own grapes. In 1974, Giovanni Conterno acquired Cascina Francia. For a while, it looked like they would just stick with that monopole vineyard. But his son Robert has proven to be ambitious: he acquired land in Cerretta in 2008 and then a sizable chunk of Arione in 2015. He produces single vineyard Barolos from all three sites, plus the great Monfortino, which going forward will blend Francia with neighboring Arione.

Giacomo Conterno Description

The ultimate and purest expression of Barolo can be found in bottles bearing the Giacomo Conterno name. In fact, they represent the ideal of traditional Barolo: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long aging in bottle.

These majestic wines descend from a colossal legacy, spanning three generations of Conternos: Giacomo, Giovanni, and Roberto—in each case, the torch passing from father to son. Both Giovanni, who forged a reputation as the greatest of all Barolo producers, and now his gifted son, Roberto, have continued the important work of patriarch Giacomo.

Roberto Conterno is quick to say that the wines he makes belong to his father and grandfather. Yet his era may prove to be the most exciting. After all, Roberto benefits from the wisdom of both Giacomo and Giovanni. And Roberto has shown that he shares not only their genius, but also their devotion to tradition and history.

Jeb Dunnuck: 99 Points

"The 2019 Barolo Cerretta is stunning already, offering wonderful floral notes as well as pure red fruits and delicate, smoky incense. It is linear and persistent but remains elegant, with notable but refined tannins. Tightly coiled and energetic, with blood orange, bergamot, and crushed stones, this rocky, vibrant red can be enjoyed 2026-2046+." - 99+ points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2023)

Decanter: 96 Points

Harvested classically around 20 October, Roberto Conterno's Cerretta is a sleek example of a powerful wine with grace. Dried roses and dried cherries are highlighted, with fresh strawberry and watermelon, completed by sweet violet and orange peel on the finish. The attack is firm and extracted, dense and dusty; a concave wine with refreshing acidity balancing the 15% alcohol, and a savoury aftertaste. It will be released in October 2023 – a further six months in bottle will enhance its integration even more.

Vinous: 96 Points

"The 2019 Barolo Cerretta has shut down considerably since I last tasted it, but the elements are also more put together in that the wine is a harmonious whole rather than a combination of individual components. Dark red fruit, rose petal, orange peel, spice and dried herbs are beautifully sketched. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon."