Barolo Cascina Francia, Giacomo Conterno 2001

Conterno 2001 Barolo Cascina Francia = stunning. Glad I bought more of this, it is fabulous.

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. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2026.