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Another Great Vintage
Aldo Conterno's 2006
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Aldo Conterno's 2006 Baroli turned out classic. He's even compared them to ones from his most perfect vintage, the hallmark 1989, which is now considered legendary. When it comes to Barolo, each of Aldo's is the best representation of Nebbiolo from the Cicala, Romirasco or Colonello vineyards. Aldo's Baroli are special.
The 2006 season turned out to have a vigorous yield despite extreme phases of rain and heat, producing worthy fruit by Aldo's standards (and his Nebbiolo standards are high). It's hard to judge vintage by vintage with a producer like Aldo. He's a gifted Barolista since the wine he crafts tends to become some of the best year after year.
He's tied closely to his vines and is one of those few producers who can deliver approachability with longevity. After all, the Conterno family goes back five generations and has always been known to make some of the best Piemontese wines; Aldo left his legendary brother at his father's cellar (the Giacomo Conterno estate) in 1969 to pursue his own winemaking interests and reputation-and that he did.
What else can I say about Aldo? I'm always proud to offer you some of his best. Here is a selection of Aldo Conterno Baroli from the most recent 2006 vintage.
My Best,
Poderi Aldo Conterno
Barolo Vigna Romirasco 2006, 750ml, $158.00**
Barolo Vigna Romirasco 2006, 1500ml, $347.60**
One of the three cru vineyards in Monforte d'Alba (Cicala and Colonnello are the others), this is one of Conterno's most esteemed parcels. The Romirasco vines date back to 1937, and some of the grapes grown here are used to craft the revered Granbussia, a Barolo made only in what Aldo considers his most stellar vintages.Left to macerate for 15 days, the wine then rests in stainless steel for four to five months before an additional aging of 28 to 30 months in large, Slavonian oak. Dense and concentrated, this wine has intense complexity from the dark cherries, minerality and tannins that linger on the palate.
Poderi Aldo Conterno
Barolo Cicala 2006, 750ml, $131.69**
This wine leaves behind an explosion of dark fruits and licorice with a touch of meatiness. A medium ruby in color, Cicala (which stands for "balm cricket") exhibits pronounced, ripe black and red fruits that will open more in several years, but that doesn't mean it cannot be enjoyed in its early stages.
Poderi Aldo Conterno
Barolo Colonnello 2006, 750ml, $131.69**
Aldo Conterno's Colonnello cru is the most consistently approachable of the estate's single-vineyard expressions since its tannins are not as big or firm. Still, the wine delivers a deeper hue and greater intensity of fruit expression relative to the other crus (Romirasco and Cicala). This wine has an exceptional ability to age.
Poderi Aldo Conterno
Barolo 2006, 750ml, $76.36**
All the featured wines are vinified in a similar fashion, yet Conterno's Barolo spends less time in oak, 26 to 28 months, to retain more of its fruit forwardness and approachability. Elegant, impressively rich and full of juicy fruit with a lingering finish, this Barolo is ready to enjoy now but can cellar for many years.
**Indicates pre-arrival. |
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