Barolo Monfortino Riserva Giacomo Conterno 2013 (3L)

98 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: " I have been tasting this wine from barrel for the past two years and now finally, abracadabra, the 2013 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is safely housed in bottle. The wine was bottled in June of last year and will hit the market this upcoming October. The Barolo Francia was not produced in 2013 because Roberto Conterno diverted all fruit from that vineyard to this wine. Monfortino was not produced in 2011 or 2012, meaning that this 2013 edition follows directly after the absolutely stunning 2010 vintage (which earned a perfect 100-point score). The two vintages (2010 and 2013) are very similar, strikingly so, but the 2013 vintage registers at a slightly lower structural threshold. The tannins are slightly looser, or softer in the case of this wine. With up to six years in botte, the 2010 vintage is still crunchy and super sharp, while this wine is slightly more succulent and earthy. Some 20,000 bottles, 2,500 magnums and 400 three-liter bottles were made." #243, 6/19.

99 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2013 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is brilliant, precise, focused and nuanced, with the classic sense of austerity it has always shown from barrel. In the 2013, readers will find a biting, vibrant Monfortino built along super-classic lines that includes vintages like 1996 and 1999, but the 2013 has more finesse that is the result of a the slight refinements and evolution that have taken place here over the last decade. In 2013, Roberto Conterno bottled the entirety of his Barolo production from Francia as Monfortino." 11/19.

99 Points, James Suckling: "Warm aromas of plums, rose petals and spices with hints of sandalwood. Some tar. Full body, dense center palate with glorious fruit and a fantastic finish. Very, very polished and fine tannins. Vertical and deep. A great Monfortino. Try in 2023." 11/19.

99 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "Subtle aromas of cherry, wild herb and tobacco introduce this sleek, complex version, while cherry, strawberry, loam, iron and tobacco flavors build in intensity to the extended finish. But what truly defines this superb and silky Barolo is the texture and harmony, with a fine weave to the dense tannins. All the components come together on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2050. 1,666 cases made." 4/20 "ABOUT THIS WINE: In exceptional vintages, Roberto Conterno has made a selection of the most ageworthy casks of his Francia MGA in Serralunga d'Alba, aging it six to seven years before releasing it under the Barolo Monfortino Riserva label. In 2002, 2013 and 2014, Conterino had so much confidence in the quality and longevity of the young Nebbiolo, the entire production of Francia was bottled as Monfortino Riserva. In 2002, Francia was untouched by the hail that plagued the harvest, allowing Conterno to make a superb Barolo (98 points). Excellent weather conditions in 2013 gave him the ideal raw material to ferment, age and bottle another harvest entirely as Monfortino Riserva. The long growing season and later harvest allowed the Nebbiolo grapes to develop complex aromas and ripe fruit flavors while retaining vibrant acidity and refined tannins. The 2013 is the best Monfortino Riserva ever reviewed by Wine Spectator." - Bruce Sanderson

97 Points, Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter: "After the celebrated 2010, Monfortino is not disappointing in the cool and classic 2013 vintage as it suffers more in the warm vintages than the fresher ones. This Riserva is rich with fresh and savoury aromas of red cassis, cherry and blood orange, full of cinnamon spice and balsamic notes with a minty finish that's intoxicating in its depth. On the palate it's velvety with pleasant and ripe tannins and full and consistent structure. Overall, it's perfectly balanced and will age for decades but is delicious for drinking now."