"Some much shaved black truffles to the blackberry, walnut and chocolate undertones. It’s full-bodied and layered with chewy yet soft tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Smoke, mahogany, and wet-earth undertones. Needs three or four years to soften and come together. Best after 2024."

The Rennina is sourced from three different vineyard sites of different exposition. There are playful and fresh aromatics of primary red plum, cherry cola, and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Refined and supple tannins coat the palate with fresh black raspberry fruit, licorice, and dried violets. The 2016 has richness without weight, is well-balanced, and has a luxurious feel. There is an approachability now, though it will be well enjoyed over the next 15 years. 2022-2036.

96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2017 Barolo Conteisa is rich, ample and inviting. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and dried flowers lend captivating aromatic presence to the Gaja family's La Morra Barolo. Even so, the 2017 is quite closed today, which is rather unusual for a wine that is typically far more open in the early going. That's probably a good sign for the future, though. Time in the glass brings out the classic Conteisa red-toned fruit profile. More than anything else, I am so impressed with how the 2017 gets better and better with air. This is a terrific showing. Sadly, production is down by about 50% because of severe selection.” 10/21

95+ Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The Gaja 2017 Barolo Conteisa opens to an immediate sense of dimension and textural width that distinguishes this hot growing season. In this case, that additional volume and power are expertly contained and refined in this wine with fruit from the Cerequio vineyard of Barolo. Cerequio saw hail damage in 2016 and was more fortunate this year; however, the site generally remains quite protected from extreme weather conditions (compared to its adjacent vineyards). This wine excels most noticeably in terms of mouthfeel. The finish is silky and long and those more astringent 2017 tannins are gracefully absent here.” 06/21

95 Points, Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter: “Gaja manages two different plots in Cerequio, from where most of the grapes for Conteisa come. Both exposures - southeast and east - mark the character of this wine. If Sperss is the Yin, Conteisa would be the Yang: It's dark fruited with black cherry and plum complemented by graceful wild herbs and mint, and a bloody, olive-like savouriness. Full-bodied and crisp, the tannins are firm, thick and dusty yet evolved.” 03/21

A top note of mint graces the cherry, plum and tar flavors in this tightly packed red, which feels balanced overall, despite the strapping tannins, with a lingering, sanguine- and iron-tinged finish. Best from 2025 through 2045. 200 cases imported.

Aromas of espresso, clove and licorice mingle with balsamic notes of camphor. Elegantly structured, the focused, linear palate offers dried cherry, blood orange and star anise framed in firm, close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Drink after 2026.