2000 Conterno-Fantino, Barolo DOCG, Sori Ginestra (RT92) Crafted from vines planted in Ginestra Cru in 1977, 1983 and 1988, this modernist Barolo is fermented in horizontal stainless steel and aged in mostly small French oak, but of various sizes, much new and some aged. Today this winery uses 100% certified organic grapes. This 2000 comes from a different era in Barolo, when modernista-styling was more fashionable, more recent vintages have found more middle ground. At age 21, the 2000 Sori Ginestra has worn its elevage well, all things considered, and it no longer shows its oak like a badge of honor, but rather quite modestly. Its hue is deep ruby-garnet, notes of dried red cherry, rose petal potpourri, spicey ripe plum and cedar lend to its powerful persona. With time in the glass a ripe, dried Fall cornucopia of fruits and flowers build intensity. The palate has generous fruit, but the acidity is imbalanced and overpowers the fruit, something I have not experienced in previous bottles. Super ripe suave tannins bring up the rear in a fashionable manner, closing on a soft and supple note and creating a glass showing the cushy, easy drinking side of Barolo. Drink now-2030
