2010 Barolo

The aromas are crazy with tangerines, mandarins and candied citrus fruit, as well as ginger. Full body, amazing depth and remarkable finesse. So elegant and balanced. I love the firmness and beauty. Precise and clear. Laser-guided structure and flavor.

The 2010 Barolo Francia is an exotic, beguiling beauty. Lavender, sage, menthol, tobacco and dried rose petals are some of the notes that open up in the glass. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2010 is utterly captivating. The combination of super-expressive aromatics, pliant fruit and pulsating tannins is something to behold. It will be many years before the 2010 is ready to deliver the goods, but it is already utterly captivating from the very first taste. Readers should note that, because of new vineyard regulations, the Cascina Francia is now known simply as Francia. In 2010, the corks had already been printed by the time that decision was made, so the corks on the 2010 read 'Cascina Francia.'

Explosive and powerful to the core, the 2010 Barolo Francia takes hold of the senses and never lets up. This is a Barolo that demands the taster's full attention. Sweet, perfumed and layered in the glass, the 2010 is all about balance and harmony. All the elements fall into place in a no holds barred, head spinning Cascina Francia. Some recent vintages have offered plenty of medium-term appeal, but I don't see that being the case here. I suggest stocking up on the Barberas and the new Barolo Cerretta and letting this jewel of a wine age without any rush. The 2010 is shaping up to be an epic, benchmark Cascina Francia that will take its rightful place among the very best ever made here.