2007 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (1/17/2

[Dale_McClaran]

2007 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d’Alba (1/17/2010)
Decanted 2 hrs and served in a Reidel Bordeaux stem. Although a primary shock wave of dark berried scents came through when poured in the decanter, this was primarily sporting a floral nose that gave very little indication of the power that was lurking in the glass below. My past experience with the 04 05 and 06 vintages did little to prepare me for the absolute assault of dark fruit (all black) that assimilated the entire palate and gums. Maybe even a touch of fig as well. Most importantly though, is how natural the ripeness comes across, nothing forced or tinkered with, simply a world class producer with a world class vineyard maximizing the hand nature dealt in 2007. Brilliant acidity on the back half provides more than ample structure, and the finish is loaded. Scary potential with a few years of cellar sleep, indeed one of the better sub $40 red out there? It makes a very strong case… (94 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker

[Steve_Saxon]

@Dale McClaran

2007 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d’Alba (1/17/2010)
Decanted 2 hrs and served in a Reidel Bordeaux stem. Although a primary shock wave of dark berried scents came through when poured in the decanter, this was primarily sporting a floral nose that gave very little indication of the power that was lurking in the glass below. My past experience with the 04 05 and 06 vintages did little to prepare me for the absolute assault of dark fruit (all black) that assimilated the entire palate and gums. Maybe even a touch of fig as well. Most importantly though, is how natural the ripeness comes across, nothing forced or tinkered with, simply a world class producer with a world class vineyard maximizing the hand nature dealt in 2007. Brilliant acidity on the back half provides more than ample structure, and the finish is loaded. Scary potential with a few years of cellar sleep, indeed one of the better sub $40 red out there? It makes a very strong case… (94 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker

Hey thanks for the note Dale, Ed Murray and I drank some great Italians a couple weeks ago and now I’m really on the lookout for great Italian buys. Looks like you found a wine for me to buy. Thanks.

[Dale_McClaran]

Steve, as much as I liked this 07, and I’m sure you would as well, I might suggest you also seek out the 05 version, a bit more of a traditional high pitched red cherry / high acid with loads of underlying structure. Might satisfy your old world tooth a bit more, but make no mistake, last nights 07 was simply on fire. Vinopolis in PDX has a great Italian selection, including a couple vintages of GC’s barbera, amongst other goodies, and no freaking tax!

Maybe a Piedmont offline soon?

[Steve_Saxon]

@Dale McClaran

Steve, as much as I liked this 07, and I’m sure you would as well, I might suggest you also seek out the 05 version, a bit more of a traditional high pitched red cherry / high acid with loads of underlying structure. Might satisfy your old world tooth a bit more, but make no mistake, last nights 07 was simply on fire. Vinopolis in PDX has a great Italian selection, including a couple vintages of GC’s barbera, amongst other goodies, and no freaking tax!

Maybe a Piedmont offline soon?

Thanks for the tip Dale and I’ll do an offline anytime.