Jay Kline

9.6

Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.

This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle. — 3 days ago

Erik Longabardi

9.4

Pelaverga — 15 days ago

Mark S.

9.0

rich concentrated cherry
Mushroom. Black Cherry. Concentrated. Red tea. Vanilla cinnamon nutmeg. Mineral sweetness M+ acidity M+ Tannin+ Fontanafredda Serralunga d’ Alva Reserva Barolo 19 @10286, Mont, 251122 — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Bright Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, spices, oak and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and sweet plum with notes of herb pepper, tobacco, cedar and cacao. Long finish, nice balance with fine soft tannins, ending with oak and earthy notes. Needs a few more years in the bottle! — 8 days ago

Danny O'Brien

9.2

Raspberry, roses & tar on the nose, grippy tannins and a slight meatiness on the palate. Fruit is present but ever so slightly lacking for me, I wish it translated from the nose to the palate just a touch more. Overall very nice and enjoyable! — 9 days ago

Vino Joe

9.3

Weighty and deep. Dark colored. Mature to the point of being a bit too aged. Tannins were mellowed but it just seemed like a less lively bottle this time around. — a month ago

Jennifer Pletcher

9.0

Absolutely beautiful. Light, softly sweet. Pineapple and lychee. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Aldo Vaira took control of family vineyards in 1968, he was just 15 years old. Today, G.D. Vajra consists of 150 acres, mostly around the commune of Barolo. Ruby with a rich bouquet of fruit, spices & floral notes, fruit from several vineyards, aged 26 months in Slavonian oak. On the palate flavors of cherry & raspberry with notes of pepper, cinnamon & floral, slight earthy notes. Long finish, nice balance with fine soft tannins ending with earthy floral notes. Enjoyable now, a few more years will benefit. — 13 days ago

Joe Gillies

9.4

Celebrating 15 year anniversary! Drinking beautifully after a 30 min decant. Brickish coloring. Very traditional tasting notes...subdued red fruits with tobacco and earthy notes. Tannins have mellowed but are still present. Have several more so I'll be updating this annually now! Drank at Amici byob in Cherry Hill, NJ (excellent food and service!). — a month ago

J Ferrugia

9.3

The wine opened very hot on the nose & palate but with plenty of underlying fruit. 20 minutes decanted it evolved to cherry and tobacco on the nose and lively fruit on the palate. This is a rich complex wine with layers of fruit & some spice early … and then beautifully balanced tannins/ fruit in the long finish. It is mature but can evolve well for another couple of years. Drink now or in 4 years.
Loved it! — a month ago