1996 Aldo Conterno, Barolo Riserva, Granbussia (RT97) Bought on release and stored in my cellar since. This has aged into a thing of captivating beauty! Completely ’96 in character, it shows a deep, ruby garnet hue and the bouquet is utterly intoxicating as it ebbs and morphs with every whiff. Notes of balsam, dehydrated morello cherry, dried rose petal, fall forest floor and a steely minerality fill the nose. With a few swirls a cornucopia of dried fruits, figs and cedar emerge. Powerful and persuasive in the mouth, it delivers a mouthcoating intensity filling every nook and cranny with gustatory delight leading to a long, long finish. This was followed over the course of a few days and never seemed to fade in the least. Second bottle I’ve had in the last year and both have been spectacular! Now in its prime drinking window! Drink now-2036+
