2015 Conterno, Giacomo Barolo Arione

Introducing the 2015 Barolo Arione. This is the first vintage produced of the newest wine to join the extended and ever-evolving Conterno portfolio. Only three oak casks were produced: the one I tasted from to write this review, one that was auctioned off to charity and the third botte that ended up becoming part of the iconic Monfortino blend. That fruit from the recently acquired Arione vineyard would be deemed good enough to end up in Monfortino tells a lot about how confident Roberto Conterno is in this product. From a tasting point of view, this wine is characterized by richness and density, with a polished mineral note that never hides from view. The richness of the soils in this vineyard correspond to the density and structure of the wine. Most of the vineyard was planted in the 1960s with some replants throughout the 1980s and 1990s. If Francia is elegance, Arione is power. ML

Distinctively spicy, this red exhibits rose, cherry, strawberry and mineral notes, with hints of soy, tobacco and iron. Tightens up, with firm and dense tannins, remaining long and compact on the finish. BS

Here in its debut vintage at Conterno, the 2015 Barolo Arione is wonderfully aromatic and nuanced. Sage, mint, pine, licorice and wild cherry all grace this vivid, exquisite Barolo with stunning layers of complexity. In the glass, the 2015 is ample and evocative, with all of the mystery of Nebbiolo that unfolds over time. Firm Serralunga tannins need time to soften, likely tons of time, but the beauty of the Arione is impossible to miss. The 2015 finishes with tremendous weight, substance and resonance, all of which will make it a fascinating wine to follow over the next several decades.