Sardinia

Typically pale in colour, the nose is perfumed, hinting at blossom and ripe fruit that errs towards tropical in character. Fresh acidity and a hint of phenolic grip act as a foil to the ripeness. Salinity on the finish adds to the complexity. Drink now to 2018.
Katherine Dart MW - Wine Buyer, June 2017

An alluring smoky, earthy, cherry & fruits of the forest laden nose. Background notes of espresso, mocha and tobacco. Complex and enticing.  The palate is medium plus bodied, powerful and rich and yet with a cutting / well balanced acidity that gives it beautiful lift, making the length go on and on.  Mouth filling and yet excellently poised, very attractive now but will reward another 5 + years cellaring.  An excellent example of what can be achieved with the meeting of great vinous minds alongside great terroir.
17/20 Stuart Rae, Commercial Manager (Private Accounts)

Compared to the Riserva, in my view the 'Franzisca' is deceptively bigger and bolder when young, yet with time it refines itself to the highest level expected of Barolo. It's certainly more difficult to read in youth: it's more reticent, complex, made from 80 year old, free-standing alberello vines on stunning rose granite grit soils that are free-draining and naturally give a tiny yield of precious Cannonau fruit. So named after Giovanni's wife Francesca ('Franzisca' in Sardo), to whom it belongs, the fabulously placed vineyard, on a raised, walled, terrace 1ha plot overlooking their village of Mamoiada (population 2,800), it was their sole vineyard until 'Elisi' was added with the 2007 vintage.

On the palate, it's pure mulberry fruit, with typical old vines decadence and intensity. It's sensational, sumptuous, detailed, coolly mineral, blessed with more natural extract (thanks to the site and the old vines), structure and minerality. It is what Giovanni might call a 'bellino!', and more besides. Aged in a combination of large Slavonian oak and French tonneaux barrels. Only 2,000 bottles made.
David Berry Green