Poderi Aldo Conterno’s Barolo “Colonnello” 2014 is a single-vineyard Barolo from the Colonnello plot in the Bussia cru of Monforte d’Alba, made from 100% Nebbiolo. The estate, founded in 1969 by Aldo Conterno and now run by the family, is known for marrying traditional Barolo structure with a more polished feel. In 2014—a cooler, more restrained year in Barolo—the wine’s profile leans toward aromatic detail and measured power rather than sheer weight. Reported alcohol is about 14.5% ABV, and the élevage was extended to roughly 29 months in oak, with critics noting a clear new-oak imprint.

At the aroma level, James Suckling highlights classic Nebbiolo perfume, calling out “cherry and berry aromas with dried flowers,” alongside “some chocolate, too.” He finds it “full-bodied, layered and rich for a 2014,” finishing with “plenty of fruit and a juicy finish,” and concludes, “Drink or hold” (James Suckling, 93 points).

Wine Spectator’s review is the standout, awarding an excellent 95 points and framing the wine as both serious and built for the long haul. Bruce Sanderson writes that “notes of cinnamon, cherry, sandalwood and vanilla introduce this dense, brooding red,” with the palate expanding into “black cherry and plum” plus “leather, tobacco and spice details” (Wine Spectator). He emphasizes the wine’s scale—“powerful and complex”—while also flagging its current stage of development, noting it “needs time to absorb the new oak.” Wine Spectator projects a long drinking window, recommending it “Best from 2023 through 2042.”

Overall, Colonnello 2014 comes across as a structured, age-worthy Barolo that still delivers attractive fruit and floral lift in a challenging vintage, with oak integration improving further with time in bottle.