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James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
"A gorgeous nose of orange peel, plums and light walnuts. Some wet earth. Full to medium body with a compacted center palate. A tight ball of ripe, fine tannins. Minerals and hot stones underneath. Serious structure. No Monfortino was made so it's all here. "
94-97 Antonio Galloni - Vinous
"The 2012 Barolo Francia is dark, virile and intense, with a huge center of fruit to match its distinctly brooding personality. Today, the 2012 also comes across as quite closed in on itself, but there is a level of pure depth here that is absolutely compelling. Conterno has decided not to bottle a Monfortino, so there is good reason to think the bottled Francia has the potential to be stellar.
Roberto Conterno's 2012 Barolos are striking and full of promise. Harvest took place from October 12-15, more or less normal by modern-day standards, with yields that came in lower than 2011. the 2012s stand out for their aromatic intensity and overall polish. In particular, the Barolo Cerretta is super-impressive. As a post-script to this tasting, Roberto Conterno has decided not to bottle his Monfortino, so the Francia will naturally gain from the addition of that juice. Of all the recent vintages in which Monfortino has not been bottled, 2012 strikes me as a year where that decision must have been especially difficult given the overall quality of the wines."
95 Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Since the 2010 vintage, this wine is named Francia (not Cascina Francia) to keep with the new Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (or official cru naming) in Barolo and Barbaresco. The 2012 Barolo Francia is a seductive and silky expression that flows gracefully over the palate with power and determination. The nose is expressive, and decidedly more articulate than many of the more muted wines made by neighboring estates in this warm vintage. The quality of the mouthfeel is of special interest. This beautiful Barolo already shows stunning texture, richness and integrity, despite this very early preview tasting. I tasted this wine in barrel shortly before bottling."