2013 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped Conterno Fantino

Blackberry and floral aromas with hints of spices. Wet earth, too. Medium body and fine and silky tannins that are very polished. Drink or hold.

The 2013 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped takes on a life of its own almost as soon as it is poured into the glass. This is a dominating effort. It shows muscle and volume with throbbing contrasts between austerity and sweetness. I must admit that it is almost too much of a good thing, and I almost disliked the wine until it convincingly won me over, thanks to its subtle evolution in the glass. Based on a massal selection, the grapes were planted as far back as 1950. Select commercial yeasts were used in winemaking up until 2008, but ambient yeasts have taken over since 2011. Dark and super rich fruit is followed by exotic spice, cured leather and smoked bacon. The finish is robust and layered. It needs many more years until it fleshes out and straightens out. This is a bottle to keep in your cellar. 2018 - 2035.

The 2013 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped shows the broad, ample shoulders that are typical of this south-facing site in Monforte. Scents of tar, smoke, licorice, scorched earth, dark fruit and gravel fill out the wine's large frame effortlessly. Virile, dark and muscular, with huge swaths of tannin and tons of intensity, the Vigna Ped is a superb Mosconi Barolo loaded with personality. The 2013 needs time to soften, but it is impressive.