The 2007 Barolo Cicala is every bit as compelling as the Colonello, although it is completely different in its personality. Here the poor soils yield a massively tannic Barolo infused with minerals, violets, menthol, tar and new leather. While the Colonello is a more overt, fruit-driven Barolo, the Cicala plays off its structural components to a far greater degree. The wine’s inner perfume and minerality dazzle from start to finish. This is another magnificent Barolo from Aldo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Aldo Conterno. The estate’s continued pursuit of low yields in the vineyard has paid off handsomely over the last few years. The 2007 Baroli spent 29 months in oak and were bottled in September 2010. Unfortunately 2007 was a difficult vintage at Aldo Conterno. There will be no 2007 Romirasco or Granbussia because of damage to the fruit caused by hail. Importer: Massanois Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 470-6769

Saturated red-ruby color. Deeper, warmer aromas than the Colonnello, showing strong minerality but a bit lower-toned nonetheless. Very rich and large-scaled wine with extravagant sweetness to its very ripe flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate, leather and smoke. This doesn't have the acidity of the 2008 Cicala but the tannins are more harmonious today. Finishes very rich and very long, with big but nicely buffered tannins.

The 2007 Barolo Cicala is every bit as compelling as the Colonello, although it is completely different in its personality. Here the poor soils yield a massively tannic Barolo infused with minerals, violets, menthol, tar and new leather. While the Colonello is a more overt, fruit-driven Barolo, the Cicala plays off its structural components to a far greater degree. The wine’s inner perfume and minerality dazzle from start to finish. This is another magnificent Barolo from Aldo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032.
-Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate # 193 Feb 2011

Quite dense, dark ruby. Precise but rich nose of dark fruit and new oak and with a herbal, almost tobacco-like note. Real crunch and fruit, and with a pretty note of oak. Grainy and powerful tannin and perfectly balancing acidity. Very easy to enjoy, but with tannic boldness. (WS)