2003 Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia
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Tasting notes
The power and richness of the vintage comes through in Conterno's 2003 Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia. Even with all of its volume, the 2003 retains gorgeous freshness, not to mention terrific overall balance. In the context of this vertical, the 2003 shows quite well, but it has since been surpassed by some of the more recent vintages. The 2003 is an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Conterno's 2003 Barbera d'Alba is easily one of the best wines of the vintage. A rich ruby, it offers intense ripe dark fruit, with suggestions of tar, smoke and licorice on a medium to full-bodied frame, while retaining a classic sense of proportion and enough freshness to provide balance. It comes across as less concentrated than when I last tasted it from cask. A great effort.
Conterno’s 2003 Barbera d’Alba is easily one of the best wines of the vintage. A rich ruby, it offers intense ripe dark fruit, with suggestions of tar, smoke and licorice on a medium to full-bodied frame, while retaining a classic sense of proportion and enough freshness to provide balance. It comes across as less concentrated than when I last tasted it from cask. A great effort. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2013. Importers: Doug Polaner, Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404 and The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
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.