Monfortino, Riserva 2010, Barolo DOCG

...Rose potpourri, cigar wrapper, orange zest, medicinal herbs, and tar frame layers of succulent red and black fruits in this deeply finessed, incredibly nuanced wine. Layers of complexity slowly unfold in this precise, balanced bottling that privileges elegance over raw power; fine-grained tannins, sweet inner perfume, and myriad notes show themselves in this wine that builds to a long, lingering finish. In years of outstanding quality, Giacomo Conterno selects the very best grapes in Cascina Francia, and these become Monfortino. Fermentation of both Barolo bottlings is identical with the exception that the Monfortino gets no temperature control; no matter how high the fermentation temperatures may go, there is no intervention on the part of the Giacomo Conterno. For the best drinking experience, cellar this wine for a couple of years and then drink for three or more decades.