Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG 2006

The hierarchy of wines that come from Barolo are easy to understand.  Generally wineries start with a Langhe, which is the larger regional name, then they move into a blended vineyard wine from the better areas within Barolo and finally finish with single vineyard wines.  Aldo Conterno does it a little different as he has another wine above the individual vineyard wines that is the best parcels from that vintage blended together.  The Granbussia reserva is that wine and is only released in great vintages with 7 years cellar maturation.

Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG 2006

For a standard release this has plenty of stuffing.  What I notice the most is the waves of tannin that ride my tongue like Kelly Slater at the world championships. They are seductive and I just want to keep watch. While the tannis are mesmerising the flavours not sweet at all. In fact even the red fruits are savoury and sour but they are mixed with dried roses and intense Indian spice notes.   Actually the spice is so intense it tastes like it is vaporised which makes me think it could be smoked Indian spice or incense. Whatever it is, I want more of it. The palate is exploding with vigour yet it still seems if I waited for a while it would show me so much more.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price:  $125
Rated: 93++
Drink: Give it 8 years and give them a go.
Importer: Negociants

La Spinetta Garetti 2006

La Spinetta Garetti 2006

Sometimes wines fill you with happiness as they tell you stories of their origin and take you to places when you are in the comfort of your own living room. My wife and I travelled to Italy a while ago and this wine reminded me of everything we loved about the country. This wine has a beautiful aroma of crushed fresh roses in a clay pot followed by spicy sour blackberries but it the serious structure that demands your attention.  The balance between the monumental tannins, bright acidity and a pretty flavour profile leave me feeling joyful. The wine is still lock up tight so leave this alone unless you love rolling around in the mud with a body builder. This is the sort of wine you should serve to someone that has become disillusioned with the fruit bombs that were so popular a few years ago.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $130
rated: 92++
Drink:  2018 - 2029
Importer: Decant Wines

Ceretto Bricco Rocche 2007

 The wine from Barolo can age for a particularly long period and this has made a lot of these wines sort after by the wine collectors of the world.  The flavours are generally in the sour and earthy end of the spectrum but as people have moved away from the fruit bombs, many have fallen in love with these wines.  My prediction is that there will be a huge increase in sales of Nebbiolo and Sagrantino in Australia over the next 5 years as this trend takes hold. 

Ceretto Bricco Rocche 2007

What a mother of a wine we have on our hands. Pure tannins seductively yet sadistically assault my mouth but they carry with them the flavours of dark cherry, dried licorice, sweaty socks, dried flowers and spicy earth.  Did I talk about the tannins? They give the wine a holy cow experience. They are monumental and fill every nook and cranny of my mouth.  The only time I’ve tasted tannins like these are in the wines from Montefalco.  There is an exceptionally long and full bodied hulk of a wine lurking under the tannins.  My god I need a drink of water after tasting this beast!

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $320
Rated: 95+
Drink: After 2022

Ceretto Zonchera 2007

I've been having a very good run with quality Piedmont wines at the moment and it still continues with this gem.  While the structure is serious, I had no trouble consuming it now.  That said, I do love a tannin or two.  I would pair this with a nice bowl of Mushroom Risotto. 

Recipe

• 6 cups good quality chicken broth
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ kg portobello mushrooms
• ½ kg white mushrooms
• 3 shallots
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 5 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Chop the Mushrooms and fry half in olive oil until soft. Add chopped Shallots and continue to stir until they turn pale.  Add Rice and stir until they go a light golden colour.  Add white wine and broth until fully absorbed.  Add Butter, Chives, Parmesan and the remaining Mushrooms.  Add salt and pepper if desired.  Serve immediately with a glass of wine. 

Ceretto Zonchera 2007

I never would have thought that one wine would embody the stereotype of Barolo so perfectly.   There are glorious specks of earth, spice, chocolate raspberries, spring flowers and dried roses bursting from the wine.  These lovely flavours coalesce with the tannin structure providing a huge amount of serious enjoyment.  Three cheers for another glorious Nebbiolo.  

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $66
Rated: 92
Drink: 2017 - 2025

Importer: Terrior Selections