Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1998 Magnum

Robert Parker: The 1998 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a monumental effort. A deep dark red, it opens with a huge nose of licorice, roses and cocoa, then flows onto the palate with masses of sweet, concentrated dark fruit that go on forever. Notes of mineral and leather gradually develop in the glass, adding further complexity as this great wine begins to reveal its expansive and profound personality. The 1998 is unusually open right now. As was the case with the 1997 at this stage, it should offer a brief drinking window over the next 6 months or so before shutting down for what is likely to be an extended period prior to awakening in the glorious prime of its life. 97/100

Falstaff: Funkelndes, dichtes Granatrot; dichte und kompakte Nase, zunächst leicht nach Pfirsich, dann Rosen, dunkle Kirsche und Brombeere, im Hintergrund etwas Leder; dicht und fleischig im Ansatz, engmaschiges Tannin, zeigt im mittleren Bereich satten Druck, im Finale leicht marmeladige Noten, fein verwoben. 93/100