1999 G. Conterno Barolo

[Taboni]

I had the good fortune of obtaining 4 bottles of 99 G. Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva this past weekend. I know I am realistically looking at a 10-20 year cellaring or so, but would it be worth opening just one of them early (now!) or should I confine them to my oubliette to be revisited upon my retirement?

[GordonCooks]

I wouldn't - the 99 is pretty un-cooperative. It's been my experience that Monfortinos need 15-20 years to shine; a long time yes, but definitely worth the wait.

[Taboni]

Yeah pretty much as I figured. I'm going to stick them away and anticipate.

[Craig Camp]

No! WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At 2009 this wine will just hit the staring line, at 15 its adolescence.

(assume good storage of course - otherwise drink them before they are destroyed)

[Taboni]

Storage is pretty good (natural cellar running between 60-65 F year round, haven't checked humidity though) but may switch to climate controlled evironment in the near future.

[Craig Camp]

Storage is pretty good (natural cellar running between 60-65 F year round, haven't checked humidity though) but may switch to climate controlled evironment in the near future.

←

Then you can keep these almost forever. Monfortino from the 70's are still vibrant.

[Taboni]

Thanks for the advice Craig. I paid nearly 250 per and would hate to waste it.

On another note I have a few 96 Grand Puy Lacostes as well that I am thinking of tasting now. Any thoughts on these?

[Craig Camp]

Thanks for the advice Craig. I paid nearly 250 per and would hate to waste it.

On another note I have a few 96 Grand Puy Lacostes as well that I am thinking of tasting now. Any thoughts on these?

←

I would say any wine is ready for tasting by its tenth birthday, although I don't mean to say its done maturing yet. I'd taste one and see how its going. It should be lovely.

[JohnL]

I had the good fortune of obtaining 4 bottles of 99 G. Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva this past weekend. I know I am realistically looking at a 10-20 year cellaring or so, but would it be worth opening just one of them early (now!) or should I confine them to my oubliette to be revisited upon my retirement?

←

I tasted this wine recently.

It IMOP will not be approachable for fifteen to twenty years.

That is basically the track record for this wine which is one of the world's greatest.

I just finished my last bottle of the 1970 which is drinking beautifully!

you are lucky to have these bottles!