Searing tannins dominate in the 2013 Barolo Cicala, another anonymous Barolo from Aldo Conterno that says nothing about the personality of this Monforte site. There is good depth and persistence in the glass, but I am not sure that is a good thing, as the elements of the wine that are persistent are not at all pleasant.

The aromas of flowers, blackberries, and white truffles are superb. Full to medium body and ultra-fine tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. An amazing Cicala. Don't miss this. Drink in 2022. - James Suckling's Top 100 Italian Wines of 2017 - ranked number 2

Aromas of dark berry, iris, menthol and a whiff of oak emerge on this vibrant wine. Firmly structured but loaded with finesse, the palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed black raspberry, vanilla, savory mineral and thyme alongside fine-grained tannins. A licorice note wraps around the tight finish. This is still primary so be sure to give it time to fully develop. Drink 2025–2045. Kerin O'Keefe

The 2013 Barolo Bussia Cicala is a beautiful wine with impressive depth and a profound sense of sharpness. This part of the Bussia cru sees a mix of clay soils (40%) with limestone (60%). In a sense, Cicala is the most indicative of the greater Bussia cru both in terms of its geological properties and its general taste profile. You get a lot of fruit in this wine followed by tannic firmness and evident power. Together, the wine presents balanced results. The alcohol here is 14.5% and I'm told that the upcoming 2016 vintage is almost a full degree stronger.

Sour-cherry and red-fruit aromas are less perfumed than Colonnello but more assertive. Very concentrated with structure and vibrancy, and more texture and grip than Colonnello. Very long.

This starts out with brilliant macerated cherry flavors, accented by rose, tar, spice and mineral elements. Firm, yet pure, complex and long, with a dense matrix of tannins shoring up the finish. Offers a fine, brambly aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2043. 400 cases made, 200 cases imported. — BS

Sour-cherry and red-fruit aromas are less perfumed than Colonnello but more assertive. Very concentrated with structure and vibrancy, and more texture and grip than Colonnello. Very long. Drinking Window 2020 - 2040
Tasted by Stephen Brook
Part of Poderi Aldo Conterno – Profile and wine reviews

Monforte d’Alba. Cicala is next to Colonnello, but on a steeper slope. The site has very poor soil and the roots need to go very deep. More clay and iron, creating ‘a darker expression of the fruit’. The wine spends five weeks on the skins and is aged for 29 months in 25-hl Slavonian oak barrels. Lustrous ruby with bright, narrow orange rim. Beautiful deep, dark and brooding nose with hints of dark spice. The palate is a perfect triangle of fruit, tannins and acidity. Youthful and obviously needs much more age, but already quite beautiful with mouth-filling perfume. (WS)