The 2019 Conterno Fantino Barolo Vigna del Gris, hailing from the Monforte sub-appellation of Barolo in Piedmont, Italy, is a quintessential Nebbiolo that has garnered significant acclaim. This red wine, closed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 14.5%, has received excellent reviews from several esteemed wine critics, highlighting its impressive qualities and potential for aging.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine a score of 94, describing it as "one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted from Conterno-Fantino and the Ginestra cru." Galloni praises the wine’s ample and intense character, noting its deep and vibrant nature complemented by a fresh, creamy texture. He emphasizes its stunning presentation with all the classic Ginestra signatures coming through in the glass, making it a highly impressive offering from the producer.
Monica Larner of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris a score of 95, with an additional positive notation. Larner describes the wine as "quite robust and powerful on first nose," suggesting that it would benefit from additional time in the bottle to reach its full potential. She highlights its dark garnet hue and a complex bouquet featuring ripe cherry skin, plum, rose, and orange peel, which evolve to reveal spice and nutmeg. Larner also notes the wine's grippy tannins, indicative of its aging potential, and suggests that patience will be rewarded.
Wine Spectator's review, also scoring the wine at 95, points to its balanced nature and integration potential. The reviewer notes attractive flavors of cherry and raspberry, with iron, tar, and underbrush, all wrapped in toasty oak. The wine is described as having a long, resonant finish, with the fruit expected to emerge as the elements integrate over the next decade. It is recommended to be at its best from 2027 through 2045.
Overall, the 2019 Conterno Fantino Barolo Vigna del Gris is a robust and elegant Nebbiolo with a promising future. Its complexity, balance, and depth make it a noteworthy wine that should develop beautifully with time.