Collector's Icon: Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Cicala 1996 An outstanding bottle of Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo, Vigna Cicala 1996. Aldo Conterno is a legend in Piedmont, and the Cicala vineyard is one of his most powerful and long-lived single-cru expressions from the famed Bussia area of Monforte d'Alba. About the Wine & Vintage The 1996 vintage is considered a legendary, classic year in Barolo, known for producing structured, monumental, and extremely age-worthy wines. The wines from this vintage demanded patience and are now hitting their optimal drinking window, showing intense complexity. * Producer: Poderi Aldo Conterno (A benchmark for traditional, high-quality Barolo). * Cru (Vineyard): Vigna Cicala (a privileged plot within Bussia). * Style: Fully mature, muscular Barolo, characterized by great concentration and immense aging potential. * Tasting Profile: Expect deep, brooding aromas of tar, black cherry, dried rose petals, licorice, and earth. The tannins are firm yet refined, with superb persistence. (Highly Acclaimed: Wine Spectator 97 pts; Wine Advocate 94 pts). * Drinking Window: Rated to evolve through 2030 and beyond. Provenance and Condition Impeccable storage is vital for a structured, classic Barolo from this era. * Condition: Excellent overall. Capsule and label are well-maintained. * Fill Level: Excellent/High (likely upper shoulder/neck), crucial for confirming the wine's integrity after nearly three decades. * Storage: Stored continuously in optimal, dark, and temperature-controlled cellar conditions. A cornerstone bottle for any serious collector of fine Italian wine, offering both investment value and a sublime mature drinking experience.