Barolo 'Riva del Bric'

Score

93

"A solid, tannic young Barolo with dried-strawberry and cedar character and hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Needs time to soften. Better after 2022."

Score

93

"Compared to Paolo Conterno's higher priced Barolo from Ginestra, this wine is made with younger vines (that are 25-years-old on average). The 2016 Barolo Riva del Bric is slightly more open-knit and accessible as a result. The approach is versatile, but this lovely wine captures the sharpness and focus of the vintage. The aromas are linear and bright with wild cherry, crushed flower and blood orange. Earthy and ferrous background notes also appear. Winemaking culminates with 36 months in large oak casks. Some 20,000 bottles were produced."

Score

92

"Paolo Conterno's 2016 Barolo Riva del Bric is a gorgeous wine for drinking now. Silky and open knit, with a very classic feel, the 2016 is hugely appealing. Freshly cut flowers, mint, pine, sweet red cherry, leather and orange peel all grace this intriguing, mid-weight Barolo. Translucent and supple, with lovely Nebbiolo character, the 2016 is a winner from Giorgio Conterno. I would give it a few hours of air if opened now."

Score

92

"Aromas of plums and berries with hints of flowers. Medium body, tight and chewy tannins and a delicious finish. There’s reserve and finesse to the structure. Drink from 2022."

Score

93

"The vines that bore fruit for the 2015 Barolo Riva del Bric are a bit younger in this site compared to those used for the Ginestra. This Barolo is great, but it is without the same complexity you get in the other one. It's a more sensible expression of Nebbiolo, with thick layers of black fruit followed by tar, moist earth and savory tobacco. It shows similar density and thickness of fiber that you get in the Ginestra cru, only the wine's complexity is less articulate and nuanced. Drink it in the medium term after three to 3-5 of bottle aging."

Score

93

"The 2015 Barolo Riva del Bric is radiant, rich and enveloping, and yet retains a gorgeous sense of Nebbiolo classicism. Macerated cherry, red plum, mocha, wild flowers, spice and new leather all flesh out in a sumptuous, wonderfully expressive Barolo. With a bit of air, the 2015 is exquisitely delicious now, but it will be even better in a few years' time. The 2015 is bold and juicy, but not overdone."

Score

92

"Aromas of ripe berries and hints of chocolate. Cedar undertones. Medium body, a refined and silky textured, beautiful and ripe fruit and sublime freshness. Drink or hold."

Score

93

"A muscular style, but not rustic, offering cherry, leather, eucalyptus and cigar box aromas and flavors. Balanced and expressive, with a fluid profile punctuated by dusty, well-integrated tannins. Best from 2022 through 2038. 1,500 cases made, 250 cases imported."

Score

91

"The 2013 Barolo Riva del Bric offers good depth to match its mid-weight personality. Best of all, the 2013 is a rare 2013 that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, pine, smoke, menthol and licorice add shades of nuance throughout in a rare Monforte Barolo that offers plenty of early accessibility. The 2013 is very pretty, and only improves with a bit of aeration in the glass."