Barolo Francia, Giacomo Conterno 2001

Roberto Conterno continues this strong series with a Cascina Francia that is breathtaking for its elegance, poise and sheer beauty. Even better from bottle than it was from cask, the 2001 Barolo Cascina Francia displays a stunning nose of roses, spices and crushed raspberries with delicate layers of sweet dark red fruit, licorice and menthol flavors on a medium-bodied frame, closing with great freshness and fine, noble tannins. Several recent bottles suggest that this Barolo has put on some additional weight over the last few months. Despite its initially restrained impression there is plenty of structure and body underneath. It will be a fascinating wine to follow over the next several decades. One of the best Cascina Francias I have ever tasted, and among the very finest wines of this great vintage, it sets a new benchmark for the level of sublimeness and finesse that nebbiolo can achieve. Highly recommended.

Mature mid ruby with brickstone rim. Savoury, sweet malty nose that with aeration becomes denser and more multilayered. Taut, fine palate with only hints of dried fruit and finely balanced and with a perfect dose of acidity that melts into the finish. Wonderful lightness of weight and yet endlessly long. (WS)