2018 Giacomo Conterno, Barolo, Francia 1x3L

Vinous 94+

The 2018 Barolo Francia impresses with its complexity and multi-dimensional personality. The bouquet alone is mesmerizing. Rose petal, blood orange, cinnamon and dried herbs lend notable aromatic presence. There’s plenty of breadth, power and resonance, all in the nervy style of the year. In 2018, Conterno will not make a Monfortino, so all of that wine is already blended into the Francia. Needless to say, this will be a fascinating Barolo to follow. [Antonio Galloni, 02/08/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2058

Robert Parker 96

Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d’Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. [Monica Larner, 11/11/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2055