In 2012, something special happened with Conterno's Cerretta. We've been fans of Conterno's Cerretta from day one, but the '12 was a surprise.

Roberto Conterno is one of the world’s great winemakers and it took no time for his Barolo Cerretta to firmly establish itself as an elite Barolo.

Conterno bought the site in 2008 and 2010 was the first vintage to carry the Barolo designation. As you can guess, 2010 was great and the 2011 was very impressive, too. But with the 2012, you can sense that the site really came into its own.

Antonio Galloni has written that "The 2012 might very well be the most precise, nuanced Cerretta yet."

In this vintage, it feels like Conterno honed in on the site with incredible acuity. In short, Conterno nailed this one. There's the focus, layered complexity and intensity that Conterno delivers when he's at the top of his game.

Since its purchase in 1974, Conterno has been associated with the Francia vineyard. While Cascina Francia is known for its elegant mineral core, Cerretta is defined by its raw power and thrilling intensity. However, for all of Cerretta’s muscle, it maintains a sense of refinement and grace.

It's this grace and lift that really stands out in the 2012 Cerretta. There's plenty of rich and powerful layers of fruit, earth, flower, spice and mineral, but above all this is a wine that pops aromatically and is amazingly light on its feet. All of this is rendered with an amazing clarity.

Conterno only has 3ha in Cerretta and it's divided between Barbera and Nebbiolo. In 2012, yields were down and we saw a fraction of what we've seen in the past. I’m very excited to be able to offer this today, I just wish we had more of it. Please give us your ideal order and we’ll do our best.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits

2012 G. Conterno Barolo Cerretta

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media: "Conterno's 2012 Barolo Cerretta boasts superb aromatic presence, precision and overall silkiness, with seemingly endless layers of fruit that come from all directions. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red cherry/plum fruit, hard candy, spice and new leather lead to the pliant, silky finish. The 2012 might very well be the most precise, nuanced Cerretta yet."