Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia 2007
Thanks to Oliver. Opaque purple, ruby-red at the rim. Mild nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, plus touches of vanilla and marzipan, and yet, it would be an exaggeration to claim this is oaky (and of course, it is not aged in barrique – one can only assume this particularly successful Barbera vintage was used as an opportunity to replace a foudre here and there). Some integrated roasted herbs. Soft cocoa (if not dark chocolate as Oliver suggested) to sweet cherry, licorice and violety rose, quite bright if lightly evolved fruit. Nicely glyceric. Quite high acidity, but barely tannic at all. Fairly full-bodied, with the 15.8% alcohol only just noticeable. Medium length only at first, a bit longer with airing. Very faint volatility perhaps, and if so, it only gives the aromas and flavours additional lift. One of the handful best Barberas any of us has ever had, but costly. Not everyone will agree, but as good as it is (and despite the per se ageworthier-than-average style), I would drink this between now and roughly age ten. Rating: 92-/91
Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 1995
Thanks to Oliver. Pristine bottle. Ruby-black, faint watery orange at the rim. Always thought the 1995 more animal, as well as a bit tannic-hard and leaner on fruit than in top vintages: dried beef, a bit salty-spicy, medium sweetness at best, some leather to soft cherry, a little mace, cedar and broth cube spice. Medium-plus complexity and finesse, pretty and enjoyable wine all the same. Faintest truffle and rose petal only. Tannin is fairly hard and not too flavourful for a Conterno. Quite good length. Even so, told Oliver that guests who bring along Giacomo Conterno Barolo will always be welcome to our home. Rating: 89(-?)
Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________
„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti