More generous and ample in style, the 1985 Monfortino reflects the warmer vintage in its resonant, expansive personality. What a great wine this is. Stylistically, the 1985 is one of the more explosive, dense wines of the evening. Readers lucky enough to own the 1985 can look forward to another 20 years of exceptional drinking, although the 1985 is virtually impossible to resist today. Tasted from magnum. -- Antonio Galloni, May 2014

The 1985 Barolo Monfortino possesses a deep ruby color, and a saturated bouquet of saddle leather, spices, smoked meats, herbs, and truffles. This rich, ferociously tannic, massive, backward, nearly impenetrable wine should be cellared for 8-10 years. Drink it between 2001-2025. It is a superb Monfortino. Those of you who love wine loaded with lavish new oak, sweet, crunchy fruit, and squeaky clean, simple flavors should be sure to taste this wine before you decide to buy. Though a fabulous wine, it is not for everybody. Conterno, whose wines I have followed since the mid-sixties, is unquestionably the quintessential traditionalist when it comes to Barolo. No concessions are made to modern day tastes. Consequently, his wines are among the most concentrated, as well as the most rustic and tannic. From time to time there have also been levels of volatile acidity that modern day technocrats would consider obscene, but which actually can add to the wine's complexity and character, up to a point. Giovanni Conterno is among the last to bottle his Barolos. I should note that his 1989 Barolo Cascina Francia has been bottled and may be released sooner than normal. Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL.