2012 Aldo Conterno, Barolo, Bussia Granbussia Riserva, Bottle (750ml) [slightly nicked label]

IA97+ "Bright, dark, saturated red. Knockout, downright sexy nose combines red cherry, raspberry nectar, rose petals, sandalwood, minerals, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then like liquid silk in the mouth, even though the underlying tannic spine is noteworthy and helps frame the red berry, sweet spice and floral flavours beautifully. This magical wine conveys great thickness of texture yet seems absolutely weightless, a neat trick, really. Noble, utterly vibrant Barolo with a finish that rises for three minutes or more. The Aldo Conterno 2012 Barolo Bussia Riserva Granbussia speaks of the hot 2012 vintage, such that its tannins will likely never lose their forceful impact, but boasts near-perfect balance such that it comes across as a sappy essence of Barolo that avoids the pruney and overripe aromas and flavours of many other 2012 Barolos: a very difficult hot year, to achieve something of this ilk is a real testament to the talent level of Franco, Giacomo and Stefano Conterno. And the scary thing is that this wine will no doubt improve further with proper cellaring, hence the plus sign on my score. Very, very well done here." Id'A for TS Dec 2022

WS95 "The earthy, woodsy aromas show some evolution in this red, with just a hint of white truffle, yet there's still a hefty dose of spicy oak to be resolved. Rich and sumptuous midpalate, showing plum, cherry, tar and tobacco flavors shaded by vanilla and toasty spices, with firm, dusty tannins laying a grip on the long finish. Give this another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2042. 250 cases made," BS for WS Feb 2022