2020 Barolo
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Tasting notes
The Giacomo Conterno 2020 Barolo Francia shows balance and elegance with an especially mineral character that is specific to this wine. Red and blue fruit aromas add hints of sweetness, but the bouquet quickly moves to iron ore and dusty ferrous notes. Of these three single-vineyard Barolos, Arione has the finesse, Cerretta has volume and structured tannins and Francia, well, has an even greater sense of tannic intensity. These are age-worthy tannins that still feel quite firm and compact and will need more time to resolve.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Serralunga d’Alba. A year set on elegance, not power or concentration. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Very fine but subdued nose – real subtlety and complexity but very slow to show. The palate is perfectly balanced, if very closed and embryonic. Fine tannins adding a little chew on the fluid finish. (WS)
Bright red pale in color, the 2020 Barolo Francia is gorgeous with a bit more structure and depth, though it remains elegant all the way through. Its ripe, pure notes of fresh cherries, roses, incense, and spice are followed by a medium-bodied red with structured, ripe tannins, energetic lift, and gorgeous notes of apricot and tea leaf on the incredibly long finish. While it certainly boasts more depth compared to the 2018, its elegant profile harkens to the gracefulness expressed in many of the best wines in that vintage. It's outstanding all the way through and is going to offer a tremendous amount of pleasure over the next 20 or more years. Drink 2025-2045.
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.