2020 Conterno Fantino Castelletto Vigna Pressenda Barolo, Piedmont

The Conterno Fantino 2020 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda shows rich dark fruit, licorice, spa cedar and sweet oak spice. There is a certain fullness to the palate with a hint of vanilla extract, with sweet blueberry cream and cherry pie. The tannins carry a slightly toasted note, but they remain fine grained and nicely integrated overall. Production is 6,600 bottles.

94 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

One of the richer, rounder and more mouth-filling Barolos, this expansive wine fills its nicely firm structure with intricate layers of red cherries, orange peel, raspberry and cedar. While full-bodied and broad in texture, it has the signature fine-grained tannins for improvement with time. Best from 2029 and beyond.

96 points jamessuckling.com

Conterno Fantino Castelletto Vigna Pressenda Barolo from Piedmont is an exceptional wine that highlights the mastery of winemaker Gianfranco Conterno and his commitment to producing some of the finest Barolo wines in the Langhe region. The Castelletto vineyard, located in the heart of Barolo, is known for its well-exposed slopes and its ideal soil composition, which contributes to the production of Nebbiolo grapes with incredible depth, concentration, and balance.

Gianfranco Conterno, who has been leading the winery since its founding in 1982, applies a careful and traditional approach to winemaking. The grapes are harvested from the Castelletto Vigna Pressenda vineyard, where the vines benefit from a combination of clay and limestone soils, creating the perfect conditions for Nebbiolo to ripen slowly and develop rich, complex flavors. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels to integrate the fruit and oak flavors seamlessly while maintaining the freshness of the Nebbiolo.

In the glass, Castelletto Vigna Pressenda Barolo shows a deep ruby-red color with garnet hues, a classic characteristic of Nebbiolo as it ages. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of ripe dark cherries, dried roses, and a touch of tobacco, complemented by earthy notes and subtle hints of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with finely integrated tannins and a refreshing acidity that gives the wine balance and vibrancy. The dark fruit flavors of cherry and plum are enhanced by nuances of leather, licorice, and a touch of truffle, giving the wine a multi-layered complexity. The finish is long and elegant, leaving lingering notes of fruit, spice, and a slight smokiness from the oak.

Conterno Fantino Castelletto Vigna Pressenda Barolo is a wine that pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes. It’s perfect with roasted meats like lamb or beef, pasta with truffle or mushroom sauces, or aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this Barolo offers incredible aging potential and promises to develop even greater complexity with time.