Fontanafredda La Rosa Barolo 2012

Colin McKone rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Garnet in colour with aromas of plum, raspberry, baking spice with some earth notes. On the palate you get flavours of red fruit, cedar and black pepper leading in to a medium finish with a light spice. It is medium bodied and well balanced with well integrated tannins, very elegant and smooth. This will pair nicely with grilled meats, cheese or pasta dishes. Tasted on October 29, 2017.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Light ruby red with a garnet hue, the nose shows sweet spice, clove, cherry, dried leaves, and leather. The palate is very well balanced with refreshing acidity and fine grippy tannins that soften with a two hour decant. Enjoy this single-vineyard Barolo from 2017-2027 with grilled beef, firm cheese, or rich pasta dishes. Tasted October 2017. 92 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Lynn Van Der Linde rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Using grapes grown in the south-facing, clay soils of the La Rosa vineyard in the highest part of the Serralunga D’Alba region, this Barolo is a brilliant garnet red in the glass, with both floral and spicy cherry notes. Balanced acidity that carries through to a spicy finish, this is the perfect pairing to bolder red meat dishes or heavier pasta.
Also makes a wonderful gift for Barolo lovers!
Tasted October 2017.

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

The grapes for this wine are grown in a bowl that surround the Fontanafredda winery. The slopes face south and are about 250-400 meters high. The 2012 vintage was a classical year with early harvest. September saw hot days and cool nights, hence the 2012 is very drinkable now. In comparison, Alberto Frea the Wine Ambassador from the winery said that the 2010 is still very tannic and too tight to drink yet!

Well integrated with floral and smoke/oak aromas as well as earthiness. The use of 25% new barriques adds some spice as well. Some good acidity that indicates this wine could cellar for a while yet! Flavours of fresh cherry and licorice with a long ripe fruit finish. Tasted October 29/2017

Sean O'Regan rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Medium garnet, nose of cherry, spice, floral, dired herb, earth and leather.
On the palate, sweet cherry, spice, earth, chocolate, fine grippy tannins with savory notes, good concentration and well structured. Decant for an hour before serving. Osso Bucco would be a great fit.
Fontanafredda portfolio tasting - Oct, 2017

Louise Boutin -Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

The complex and layered nose of this Barolo— rose petal, dry figs, gamy and licorice is tremendously inviting. No disappointment on the palate with delicious ripe and dry fruits, licorice, grippy yet elegant tannins and comforting warm finish. This “La Rosa” single-vineyard powerhouse represents the interpretation of a specific microclimate in the Fontanafredda portfolio. Enjoy with a rare grilled flank steak or sip after dinner with nuts and dry fruits.

Tasted on Oct 29th, 2017

Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

Also from the Serralunga region in Piedmont, this Barolo adorns the name “La Rosa” after the mistress of Fontanafredda founder, Vittorio Emanuele and thusly also the vineyard name. Pale garnet colour with an abundance of violet floral aromas. White plum, raspberry, cranberry, pale strawberry, soft Cedar and light earthy truffles. Akin to walking through a late summer forest after a rain. Flavours are poetic and profound. Red fruit, namely raspberry with some blackberry, earth, light vanilla soaked wood, pepper and a truffle note. Echoing perfectly in the glass. Medium plus acidity, body, tannin and finish. Well rounded and thoroughly balanced. Very refined and elegant. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with medium cheese, parmesan, duck breast, venison and rich red game meats. Tasted with brand ambassador, Alberto Frea - October 2017

Melanie Lloyd rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This ruby coloured wine has beautiful aromas that include ripe blackberries, raspberries, dates, autumn leaves, sweet spice and a hint of marmalade.

On the palate, there are flavours of ripe berries, cocoa with a kick of black pepper. This full bodied wine has tannins that are structured and well integrated to create an elegant product. This was a wonderful treat!

Pair with braised or grilled venison or beef.

Tasted October 2017.

Gwen Barton rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Stunning single vineyard Barolo. Ruby red with garnet hues. Full-bodied with lots of complexity and structure. Ripe fruit, mocha, mint and dried flowers supported by oak induced spice. Nice acidity and big tannins which could benefit by a few years in the cellar. Pair with pasta drizzled with truffle oil. And topped with grated sharp cheese. Tasted: Oct 2917. @fontanafredda_

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Elegant Barolo with intense fruit notes of raspberry, blackberry, with floral tones of rose, tea leaf and violet, milk chocolate, and tangy balsamic. Strong acidity and medium tannins.

Pairing: ideal with a braised meat - lamb or osso bucco. Also great with an aged cheese platter and mushroom pate.

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

This is graceful and elegant featuring dried red cherry, spice, fresh and dried mushroom, and wilted leaves. This wine needs 5 years to hit its stride, but already pretty darn good. 93 points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)