The 2008 Barolo Sori Ginestra is the most complete of these 2008s. An exotic melange of plums, black cherries, menthol, spices and licorice takes shape in the glass. The 2008 Ginestra impresses for its textural depth, richness and aromatic nuance. Layers of fruit build towards the sweeping finish in this multi-dimensional, textured Barolo. Ginestra is one of the great sites in Barolo. The 2008 captures all of the magic. This is the most refined, polished young Sori Ginestra I have ever tasted. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028.

Conterno-Fantino is one of a handful of properties that deliver outstanding quality throughout their entire range. The 2008 Nebbioli were picked very late. The last of the Ginestra fruit did not come in until October 26. Fabio Conterno describes 2008 as a vintage marked with huge diurnal shifts towards the end of a very long growing season. Conterno-Fantino remains a leading exponent of the modern school of Barolo, but today macerations are longer than normal, casks have been added to the French oak barriques and the wines are more polished than they have ever been. The Conterno-Fantino Baroli used to be tannic beasts when young, but the 2008 Baroli are surprisingly accessible at this stage. I imagine the wines will close down at least somewhat over the coming months, but even if they do, these Baroli stand out for their finesse.
by Antonio Galloni, Issue #200, April 2012

(from vines averaging 30 years of age): Bright, deep red. Ripe, minerally aromas of cherry liqueur, spun sugar, mocha, flowers and sweet oak. Wonderfully fat, sweet, creamy and full, especially in the context of this vintage. Saturates the palate with a wave of raspberry, mocha and truffle flavors. Remarkably showy already but this should be a cellar treasure. Finishes with extremely refined tannins and outstanding length. A baby today, even if its high quality is easy to see. Guido Fantino describes 2008 as "an unbelievable vintage, with a near-perfect vegetative cycle, and perfect day-night temperature differences."
96(+?) points
By Stephen Tanzer
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Oct 11