2005 Aldo Conterno "Colonnello" Barolo (Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $119)

SKU #1094931 95 points Wine Spectator

Enticing aromas of plum tart and vanilla bean aromas follow through to a full body, with a beautiful concentration of ripe fruit and supersilky tannins. A wine with beautiful balance and finesse that's also concentrated and rich. Best after 2013. (7/ 2009)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2005 Barolo Colonnello reveals lovely density and depth in its spiced, floral red fruits. The tannins are sweet and silky, very much in keeping with the qualities this vineyard rich in sand typically expresses. This mid-weight Barolo offers awesome balance and the sheer class for which Aldo Conterno is famous. It is a great effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. (4/ 2009)

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good full medium red. Deeper, more important aromas of black cherry, strawberry and minerals; more primary and brooding than the normale Bigger and richer too, with a creamier texture and an almost chocolatey character that carries through to the aftertaste. More complex but less fruity than the basic Barolo, with more apparent minerality. Quite silky in texture thanks to firm but well-integrated acidity. Most impressive today on the back end, which is long and scented, with a delicate but very persistent flavor of almost candied small red fruits. (12/ 2009)