If 2007 offers a warm, welcoming embrace, 2006 Cascina Francia turns a classic profile; the two vintages perform perfectly complementary halves: two great back-to-back vintages that will remind collectors of the legendary 1989 and 1990. Roberto Conterno proudly told us that his 2006 may be one of the best Barolos he has ever produced, and the enticing ‘06 Cascina Francia shows gorgeous ripe dark fruit, a waft of incense and saddle leather, and chewy tannins that need some time to integrate. Cascina Francia 2006 gives a complex kaleidoscope nose--it’s like a deep breath of a year’s worth of fresh Piemonte air. While this wine is definitely austere in its youth, some time in the cellar will bring its roses, violets, tar and star anise into stunning harmony. Cellar for a couple of years and drink for the next three or four decades.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Piemonte
- Sub-region/Appellation: Barolo
Cascina Francia, named for the superb 14-hectare vineyard that also provides grapes for Conterno’s masterful Monfortino, is arguably the one of the finest bottlings of Barolo, and the 2006 and 2007 are two sublime vintages. Unquestionably epitome of a classic Barolo, Cascina Francia presents the elements that represent the pillars of a noble wine in the philosophy of Giacomo Conterno: “Good body, alcohol, and tannins, plus that certain something that gives longevity.” The second label of the greatest Barolo produced, Barolo Riserva Monfortino, Cascina Francia offers the exquisite balance, trademark structure, fascinating complexity, ample fruit, and kaleidoscopic nose connoisseurs have come to expect from this legendary producer--and, given that the only difference between Monfortino and Cascina Francia is their maceration time, the opportunity to experience Monfortino at a quarter of the price.
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