2010 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino, Barolo DOCG “Cascina Dardi-Bussia” Piedmonte, Italy.
This new 2010 Fantino Dardi-Bussia is a real head turner with loads of sex appeal and depth, this is a true Barolo that offers everything you could want and delivers on it’s promise even in it’s youth. Casino Dardi is the new trademarked name for Vigna dei Dardi, for those that know the Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantno wines, it means the vines are in a certain place within Bussia with the perfect exposure and soils giving wines of deeper color, richer fruit and more finessed tannic structure, the Fantino’s make classic Baroli, but one that is enjoyable even early in it’s life, and while stunning now they can age too. The ruby/garnet Casino Dardi Barolo starts with floral tones, mineral and spice along with red fruits and earthy allure leading to a powerful palate of damson plum, mixed cherry and tangy currant fruits with cinnamon, black licorice, pipe tobacco, rose petals, pepper, porcini/wild mushroom, saline, cedar and a touch of strawberry essence. There is a firm bite of tannins, a juicy lift of acidity and savory elements that hold back the fruit, this Barolo is wonderfully balanced and has plenty of room to grow in the future. I can only imagine how good the upper end old vine Fantino offerings, the Rieserva and the Vigne Vecchie will be, but this Casino Dardi-Bussia from 21 year old vines is a great deal and a glorious Nebbiolo that over delivers in this price range, don’t miss this Kermit Lynch import, and while it will be easy to drink them all now, put a few bottles away and be awesomely rewarded in 5 to 10 years! The latest set of wines from Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino are all worthy of attention, these are old school traditional bottlings with character and detail, especially this 2010 Barolo from a stellar vintage, drink from 2016 to 2026.
($55 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive
