2000 Barolo
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The depth and richness to this is really wonderful with a silky texture and finesse that shows incredible ripeness yet freshness. Full and balanced. So much mushroom and berry character. A little severe with the acidity. Goes on for minutes. Drink or hold.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Giacomo Conterno's 2000 Barolo Cascina Francia is beautifully fleshy and supple in its radiant red fruit, freshly cut roses and licorice. The 2000 is a wonderfully open, seductive vintage for Cascina Francia, yet the wine has more than enough freshness to drink well for many, many years. Round, silky tannins frame the generous finish.
The 2000 Barolo Cascina Francia is beautifully fleshy and supple in its radiant red fruit, freshly cut roses and licorice. The 2000 is a wonderfully open, seductive vintage for Cascina Francia, yet the wine has more than enough freshness to drink well for many, many years. At times, the 2000 tastes like it could have been made yesterday! Round, silky tannins frame the generous finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030. These are two exceptional Baroli from proprietor Roberto Conterno. The Cascina Francia shows the sexiness of the vintage, while Monfortino captures the power. The former is ready to deliver pleasure now, the latter may very well prove to be nearly immortal.
The 2000 Barolo is fully in character with the vintage, even if it’s a bit strange to write about the Nebbiolo of this house in terms of perfume and elegance. The nose is entrancing, however, floral, wafting, sweet and lightly smoky with ample and ripe cherry fruit, while the length, continuity, and intensity of the palate mesh beautifully with unusually polished tannins for this Barolo, quite up-front and to drink between 2005 and 2020. It’s something of an eerie feeling to walk into this cellar and not be greeted by Giovanni Conterno, who left us for the big vineyard in the sky at the end of 2004. Nothing to worry about, however, other than a keen sense of regret for the loss of this historic figure – his son Roberto, who worked with his father for over fifteen years, is fully in charge and produced spectacularly promising wines on his own in the 2004 vintage. The house is not particularly known for its Barbera, but it is easily one of the best in the traditional style – aged in casks, not barrels – on the market. Importer: Doug Polaner, Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404
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.