Located in Monforte d'Alba, Poderi Aldo Conterno is considered one of the finest producers in the region. The son of legendary producer Giacomo Conterno, Aldo formed his own estate in 1969 and was inspired by the modernist techniques of Angelo Gaja. Aldo sadly passed away in May 2012 and the estate is now run by his three sons, Franco, Stefano and Giacomo. They tend 25 hectares of vines including three cru vineyards on the famed Bussia slope in Monforte d'Alba. These three vineyard sites, Cicala, Colonello and Romirasco are the flagship wines from the estate through the entire range from the entry level Bussia Soprana is superb.

The stunning 2013 Barolo Bussia Romirasco represents a stylistic blend between the elegance of Monforte d'Alba and the brooding power of Serralunga d'Alba. These are magnesium-rich soils mixed with limestone and clay. Romirasco is also home to some of the estate's oldest vines at 55- years-old on average. This beautiful wine opens to a dark and rich garnet color that comes from the concentrated fruit produced by these old plants. The bouquet is laced with mineral and iodine-like nuances with rust and iron. It comes across as rich and intense and the mouthfeel is slightly softer, but denser overall. The wine ends with long balsam tones of rosemary and dried ginger. Drink: 2020-2040; Rating: 97 Points; Monica Larner; Robert Parker The Wine Advocate

Beautiful dark fruits of crushed raspberries and blueberries plus hints of champignon mushrooms and black truffles. Lavender undertones. Full and chewy with lots of tannins. Old vines give this a mossy, bark-like undertone. Needs five to six years to come around. Rating: 98 Points; James Suckling

This packs some vanilla- and Bourbon-scented oak aromas, with a core of cherry, leather, tar, iron and tobacco flavors. Solidly built, with dusty tannins clinging to the long finish. A powerful example, this should gain finesse with age. Best from 2022 through 2040.  Rating: 95 Points; Wine Spectator