Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda 2021

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 and are lovingly nurtured in their state of the art winery at Bricco Bastia. This location is scenically set, overlooking the most ancient part of Monforte with a sweeping view of the majestic Alps.

Fabio Fantino has done a superb job in shepherding his family's estate into its second generation. In my view, the wines have never been better. Today's Barolos show greater precision and energy than the wines of the past, and I say that as someone who bought these wines heavily in the early 2000s.

The 2021 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is an elegant, polished wine. Strong spice, mineral and citrus notes convey the essence of Castelletto, come through in the wine's pointed, focused tannins. It offers terrific energy and tons of class. The style is very much one of tension, at least in the early going. Hints of rose petal, chalk and slate linger. All this needs is time in bottle. 94, Antonio Galloni