Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 96
Giacomo Conterno’s 1997 Barolo Cascina Francia was also fabulous. The 1997 vintage seems to have yielded great wines in some of Piedmont’s poorer soils, as this heroic Barolo amply demonstrated. The 1997 was pure Serralunga Barolo, which is to say roses, tar and licorice galore on a frame of substantial depth and pure breed.
Stephen Tanzer 91-93
Deep red. Brooding aroma dominated by blackberry. Huge volume and sweetness in the mouth, with lovely harmonious acidity accentuating the thickness of the wine. Showed a note of crystallized fruit with aeration. Finishes with very fine, tongue-dusting tannins. Not quite as expressive or perfumed as the ’98, though. The Conternos compare the ’97 vintage to 1990 in style.
Wine Advocate 92
1997 Barolo Cascina Francia Dark ruby. Incredibly beautiful nose of dried flowers and sweet fruit. The 1997 is dense and lush on the palate, showing very ripe dark cherry fruit, with notable extract and glycerin. Another wine that is just singing today, the alluring and irresistible 1997 offers superb drinking now. 92+ points/now-?, tasted 05/05
