2020 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo di Monfalletto DOCG, Piedmont

Tea leaves, slate, wild berry fruit, violets and some tar on the nose. It’s firm yet silky on the palate, medium-bodied, with super fine tannins and a cool minerality to it. Lots of tension and energy, if a little tight for now. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2028.

95 points jamessuckling.com

With vineyards under the celebrated cedar of Lebanon tree that looks over most of the appellation, this is an elegant wine with a little more richness and concentration in this vintage. The organic Cordero di Montezemolo 2020 Barolo Monfalletto shows dark fruit, black cherry, tar, resin and crushed stone. You also get a Mediterranean hint of rosemary or lavender bud over an elegant, mid-weight mouthfeel. Production is an ample 54,000 bottles. All the fruit for this wine is sourced in the general Annunziata area of La Morra.

Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo and his family have planted two hectares of vines in Alta Langa, in the village of Sinio, at a cool 600 meters in elevation. It should be interesting to see what comes from this promising new project. The estate counts a total of 56 hectares of vines in over six different areas.

94 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo di Monfalletto DOCG from Piedmont is a wine that perfectly represents the elegance and complexity of one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions. Barolo, often referred to as the "King of Wines," is made from the Nebbiolo grape, and Cordero di Montezemolo, one of the region’s most respected producers, has been crafting exceptional wines from this iconic grape variety for generations. Located in the heart of Barolo, the Monfalletto estate has been producing wines of distinction since 1340, and their Barolo di Monfalletto DOCG is a true testament to the estate’s dedication to quality and tradition.

The winemaker at Cordero di Montezemolo, Enrico Cordero, is deeply passionate about crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barolo region. With a commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention in the cellar, Enrico allows the natural character of the Nebbiolo grape to shine through. The Barolo di Monfalletto DOCG is made from hand-harvested grapes sourced from the Monfalletto vineyard, which sits on the hills of Barolo and benefits from the region’s ideal combination of soil, altitude, and climate.

The wine undergoes traditional fermentation and maceration processes, followed by aging in a combination of French oak barrels and large casks, which helps to add complexity and balance while allowing the wine to retain its fresh fruit character. The result is a Barolo that is both approachable in its youth and capable of aging beautifully over time, developing even more depth and nuance as it evolves.

In the glass, Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo di Monfalletto has a deep, ruby-red color with garnet hues that deepen as the wine ages. The nose is aromatic and complex, with layers of red fruit such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by floral notes of rose petals and violets. As the wine opens up, earthy undertones of truffle, tobacco, and leather emerge, along with hints of spice and a touch of vanilla from the oak aging, adding richness and depth to the bouquet.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins that provide a solid backbone, while the wine’s bright acidity ensures balance and freshness. The red fruit flavors are vibrant and intense, with cherry, raspberry, and a subtle note of dried fruit. The earthy and spicy characteristics add complexity, while the wine’s long finish is marked by lingering flavors of fruit, spice, and a hint of tobacco.

Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo di Monfalletto DOCG is a wine that pairs beautifully with hearty, flavorful dishes. It is a natural match for rich meats such as roasted lamb, braised beef, or osso buco. It also pairs wonderfully with truffle dishes, aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino, or a simple charcuterie platter. This Barolo is an excellent wine for cellaring, with the potential to age for decades, evolving and gaining complexity as it matures.