Giacomo Conterno, Barolo Cascina Francia, 2005

Conterno's legendary Cascina Francia in a more approachable guise. This single-vineyard Serralunga Barolo comes from clay-limestone soils, made traditionally by Roberto Conterno with natural yeasts, long maceration, and aging in large Slavonian botti. The 2005 was a lighter, more accessible Barolo vintage, and that works in its favor here: at this age it offers the depth and complexity of a great traditional address without demanding the patience the bigger years require. Mature and ready to drink. A relatively gentle way into one of Barolo's most serious names.