Barolo Monfortino Riserva, Giacomo Conterno 1996

I have always had a love affair with the 1996 Barolo Riserva Monfortino. Readers will find this hard to believe, but when the 1996 was released, it was widely available for those who knew where to look. I had the opportunity to buy a very large parcel in Europe, but ultimately only took a few bottles as I was still in graduate school and heavily in debt. As for the wine, the 1996 remains a towering, epic Monfortino with classically austere tannins and all of the energy that drives Barolo lovers crazy for these wines. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for as long as temperature and humidity keep corks in good condition. (Drink between 2020-2040)