The richest and darkest of these wines, the 2010 Barolo Mosconi is laced with dark cherry, plum, chocolate, menthol, savory herb and clove nuances. The Mosconi is a wine of power, breadth and richness, with tremendous resonance and weight, all qualities typical of this south-facing site in Mosconi. Naturally, the 2010 needs time to fully come together, but today it is striking and impeccable in its balance. The rich, explosive finish makes it hard to resist a second taste. The 2010 spent one year in 100% new French oak barrels and a second year in cask.

Good deep red. Reduced nose opens with air to reveal black raspberry, licorice and coffee; makes the 2009 smell candied in comparison. Wonderfully lush, layered and sweet, but with vibrant acidity (6.3 g/l) giving shape to the primary dark fruit and espresso flavors. This marvelously sappy and rather modern-style Barolo finishes with pliant tannins, outstanding energy and building perfume. Really showcases the 2010 vintage at its best.

The 2010 Barolo Mosconi is born in compact, clay soils that result in wines of increased structure and tannic richness. Despite the inevitable territorial imprinting, this vintage shows a heightened sense of elegance and grace. Short maceration times (from 8 to 10 days) also contribute to fix the brilliant ruby and garnet appearance of the wine. Its color integration is stunning. The mouthfeel is juicy and rich with enduring flavors of wild strawberry and raspberry. Drink: 2016-2026. Founded in1982 by in laws Guido Fantino and Claudio Conterno, this carefully remodeled and refurbished estate is located atop one of the highest hills in Monforte d’Alba. From a glass lookout point in the winery, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the town’s church steeples and skyline. The property includes 26 hectares of vine (Conterno Fantino does not buy fruit) for a production of 140,000 bottles per year. Some 25,000 bottles are Barolo. Starting in 2014, wines will be certified organic. It does not produce a “base” Barolo, choosing instead to focus on its Langhe Nebbiolo. Importer: Empson USA, www.empsonusa.com