96/100 Robert Parker 96/100 Wine & Spirits 95/100 James Suckling 95/100 Wine Spectator 93/100 Vinous 96/100 James Suckling (2015 Vintage) 95/100 Robert Parker (2015 Vintage) 94/100 Robert Parker (2013 Vintage) 93/100 James Suckling (2013 Vintage) 92/100 Wine Spectator (2013 Vintage) 92/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine (2012 Vintage) 94/100 Falastaff Magazin (2012 Vintage) 92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2010 Vintage) 93/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine (2011 Vintage) 93/100 Wine Spectator (2011 Vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2011 Vintage)
Robert Parker "The Conterno Fantino 2016 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris comes from a site in Monforte d'Alba that has a big component of loose sand in the soils. These well-draining conditions add to the softness and concentrated aromatic intensity of Nebbiolo. In fact, the bouquet here brings us a medley of red and purple fruits with some ripe blackberry and plum. It shows a hint of pretty cherry sweetness with spice, tobacco and candied licorice. The mouthfeel is full and generous, and this supple Barolo wraps smoothly and luxuriously over the palate."
James Suckling "Extremely perfumed with ripe strawberries and hints of dried flowers. Hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe, polished tannins. Tight center palate. Very persistent. This is reserved now, but shows beautiful potential. Try after 2023."
Wine Spectator "Focused on bright cherry, black currant and freshly cut hay aromas and flavors, this red is vibrant, verging on racy. Accents of iron, tobacco and tar add complexity, and this is balanced and long on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2045."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous "The 2016 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris offers a striking balance of density and the more floral, high-toned notes that are so typical of this wine. Dried flowers, rose petal, mint, sweet spice and cedar are all nicely lifted. Beams of incisive tannin give the wine its vibrant, energetic feel. I would drink it first among these four wines. 2021-2031"
Wine & Spirits "This wine captures the character of the 2016 vintage with exuberant aromas of rose petals, mint and sage and vibrant red berry and cherry flavors. Those aromas and flavors remain poised and balanced for days after the bottle has been opened, suggesting a long life ahead, though the sheer energy of this wine makes it immensely appealing even now."
Robert Parker "The 2015 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is perfectly executed, so measured and harmonious in its approach. Its lightly spicy notes are seamless and beautiful, with the same great texture, richness and succulent structure we have been seeing a lot of in this vintage. This is a Barolo with gravity and power and, at the same time, silkiness and grace. When uncorked five years from now (or more), the wine would pair with an elegant pâté." (2015 Vintage)
James Suckling "Impressive aromas of ripe and rich red cherries, red plums and darker berries that are swathed in fresh and spicy oak to good effect. Orange zest, too. The palate has a soaring build of sturdy tannins that carry abundant sweet and ripe cherry flavors long and unwavering into the fresh finish. This is impressive." (2015 Vintage)
Founded in 1982, Conterno Fantino testifies to the talent and vision of viticulturist Claudio Conterno and his partner, oenologist Guido Fantino. These great wines start in exceptional vineyard sites in Monforte d’Alba. Conterno Fantino’s historical nucleus is Ginestra, one of Monforte’s historical crus documented as far back as the 1800’s. is based on a hillside close to the village of Monforte d'Alba. The focus of the estate falls to four key grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Chardonnay.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
96/100 Robert Parker 96/100 Wine & Spirits 95/100 James Suckling 95/100 Wine Spectator 93/100 Vinous 96/100 James Suckling (2015 Vintage) 95/100 Robert Parker (2015 Vintage) 94/100 Robert Parker (2013 Vintage) 93/100 James Suckling (2013 Vintage) 92/100 Wine Spectator (2013 Vintage) 92/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine (2012 Vintage) 94/100 Falastaff Magazin (2012 Vintage) 92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2010 Vintage) 93/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine (2011 Vintage) 93/100 Wine Spectator (2011 Vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2011 Vintage)
Robert Parker "The Conterno Fantino 2016 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris comes from a site in Monforte d'Alba that has a big component of loose sand in the soils. These well-draining conditions add to the softness and concentrated aromatic intensity of Nebbiolo. In fact, the bouquet here brings us a medley of red and purple fruits with some ripe blackberry and plum. It shows a hint of pretty cherry sweetness with spice, tobacco and candied licorice. The mouthfeel is full and generous, and this supple Barolo wraps smoothly and luxuriously over the palate."
James Suckling "Extremely perfumed with ripe strawberries and hints of dried flowers. Hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe, polished tannins. Tight center palate. Very persistent. This is reserved now, but shows beautiful potential. Try after 2023."
Wine Spectator "Focused on bright cherry, black currant and freshly cut hay aromas and flavors, this red is vibrant, verging on racy. Accents of iron, tobacco and tar add complexity, and this is balanced and long on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2045."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous "The 2016 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris offers a striking balance of density and the more floral, high-toned notes that are so typical of this wine. Dried flowers, rose petal, mint, sweet spice and cedar are all nicely lifted. Beams of incisive tannin give the wine its vibrant, energetic feel. I would drink it first among these four wines. 2021-2031"
Wine & Spirits "This wine captures the character of the 2016 vintage with exuberant aromas of rose petals, mint and sage and vibrant red berry and cherry flavors. Those aromas and flavors remain poised and balanced for days after the bottle has been opened, suggesting a long life ahead, though the sheer energy of this wine makes it immensely appealing even now."
Robert Parker "The 2015 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is perfectly executed, so measured and harmonious in its approach. Its lightly spicy notes are seamless and beautiful, with the same great texture, richness and succulent structure we have been seeing a lot of in this vintage. This is a Barolo with gravity and power and, at the same time, silkiness and grace. When uncorked five years from now (or more), the wine would pair with an elegant pâté." (2015 Vintage)
James Suckling "Impressive aromas of ripe and rich red cherries, red plums and darker berries that are swathed in fresh and spicy oak to good effect. Orange zest, too. The palate has a soaring build of sturdy tannins that carry abundant sweet and ripe cherry flavors long and unwavering into the fresh finish. This is impressive." (2015 Vintage)
Founded in 1982, Conterno Fantino testifies to the talent and vision of viticulturist Claudio Conterno and his partner, oenologist Guido Fantino. These great wines start in exceptional vineyard sites in Monforte d’Alba. Conterno Fantino’s historical nucleus is Ginestra, one of Monforte’s historical crus documented as far back as the 1800’s. is based on a hillside close to the village of Monforte d'Alba. The focus of the estate falls to four key grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Chardonnay.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.