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.

This Barolo shows pretty sharpness and focus thanks to its robust layers of mineral and forest fruit. The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2016 Barolo Bussia Romirasco is a layered wine with power and 15% alcohol that you do definitely notice. The wine is fleshy and rich with rum spice and dark fruit, balsam and some end notes of spice, sandalwood and leather. The finish is a little hot, but the wine is ready for 10 years or more of careful cellar aging. Roughly 6,000 bottles were made. Date: July 2020; Drink: 2024-2045; Rating: 95 Points; Monica Larner; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

The dried flowers are so impressive on the nose here with lavender and lily, as well as raspberries and dried strawberries. Full-bodied, yet so tight and refined with fantastic precision and focus. Very reserved and tight now. Try after 2024. Date Tasted: Aug 2020; Rating: 97 Points; James Suckling