2008 Barbera d'Alba
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Tasting notes
A reticent wine, the 2008 Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia remains incredibly tight, which is amazing as it has been in bottle now for a few years. Pure power and structure dominate in a wine that impresses for its persistence and overall balance. Ideally the 2008 could use at least another year or two in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A little smoky (reductive) on the nose. Cherry fruit and also a touch reduced on the palate but markedly mineral too. Would benefit from decanting. Serious, savoury with black olive flavour running through the dense fruit. Lively, dense and much more to come. (JH)
Green leaf, black cherry. Dark, impenetrable. Bit of funk on the palate – seems all a bit overbearing to me. Youthful, for sure, but rather heavily extracted too. (RH)
The 2008 Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia is a classic Conterno Barbera. Layers of dark, brooding fruit come forth gradually, along with exotic scents of new leather, licorice tar and soy that add complexity. This is a decidedly more reserved, mineral-driven Barbera that will appeal most to readers who appreciate the focused side of Barbera as opposed to more opulent vintages such as 2007 where the fruit is decidedly forward. The Cascina Francia shows greater richness and density than the Ceretta, suggesting the direction that wine is likely to take in coming years.
About the producer
Giacomo Conterno is arguably Barolo’s most celebrated estate. While most famous for its Monfortino Riserva, the quality found in every bottling of Nebbiolo and Barbera at this address makes them a benchmark producer for both varieties.