The 1997 Conteisa offers classic aromas of licorice, melted tar, black cherries, wet stones, and tobacco. It is a full-bodied, unctuously-textured wine of remarkable density and thickness. The tannin is high, but sweet. This brawny offering cuts an immense swath across the palate, but there are no hard edges and all the component parts are pure as well as well-integrated. There are 15,000 bottles of this spectacular wine. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. A genius for sure, Angelo Gaja can not be faulted for what he puts in the bottle. This work of art is worth every cent it will fetch. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000

Very dark ruby red. Intense and fresh aromas of blackberry, tar and lilac. Full-bodied, with big chewy tannins and masses of fruit that turn to porcini, forest floor and light coffee. Still needs time . A complete wine. Even better than I remember.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2012. 1,300 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Langhe Select to Add