2001 Giacomo Conterno, Barolo, Cascina Francia (RT96) This was not decanted and was Slow O’d for the day prior to serving. Showing exceptionally well with the first pour, layers of pungent, uplifting notes of Marasca cherry, dried cranberries, red currant liqueur, mentholated rose petals, sappy balsam, power-laced limestone dust and hints of iron-like minerality dominate the character. The bouquet is magnificently driven in the classic Conterno style built of a foundation of finesse leading to a superb weightlessness, as the sublime palate delivers ample freshness and finishes with swanky, suave tannins framed with classic austerity. This is a brilliant vintage of Cascina Francia that at age 23 is now in its early peak drinking window, but make no mistake, this is built for long cellaring and is already rewarding patient cellar rats. Drink now-2041+ Tasted December 2024
I originally bought a case of this vintage along with 3 magnums on release and it has been in my cellar since. This is the fifth bottle – 750ml – I’ve checked in on, and it was far and above the finest showing yet for this stellar wine. Sadly, the price has spiraled upward to the point of no longer being affordable as it once was and is now available at $300-500 for the 2001 vintage. Considering the current vintages, 2016 and coming forward, are now even more expensive, I consider this a bargain at the lofty price of $300-ish.
This wine is produced from Estate grown fruit from the legendary Cascina Francia Cru in Serralunga. In 1974, son Giovanni acquired the Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga, which contains fabulous exposure. Here they focus on Nebbiolo, but also grow Barbera and formerly Dolcetto, which was phased out and replaced with Barbera in the late 90s (the last bottle of Dolcetto I had was 1996). This site is ideal for the house style, and from this vineyard they produce Barolo Cascina Francia and Barolo Riserva Monfortino, along with Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia. Starting in 2010 both the Barolo and Barbera were renamed Francia to comply with updated Italian law. This wine is bottled after approximately four years in large Slavonian cask.
