The 2015 Barolo Francia is a soaring, regal wine endowed with tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions. The most reticent and inward of the 2015s, the Francia possesses superb textural density and persistence all the way through to the explosive finish. An immense, towering Barolo, the Francia is positively stellar. It is also going to require a number of years to be at its best. In recent years, the Conterno Barolo Francia has often been relatively accessible post bottling, the 2015 is far from that.

Next comes 50-hectoliter botte number 88 that houses the upcoming 2015 Barolo Francia. Again, this wine will be bottled by the time you read this, with Conterno's newest vintages hitting the market in October. What impresses most here is the supreme elegance of the wine. It speaks in hushed whispers, enunciating promises of depth, complexity and mysterious intrigue. The wine unfolds slowly, revealing new elements with each swirl of the glass. Together, these aromas build in intensity and stature to become a magnificent Barolo with a capital B. The bouquet exudes elegance and complexity that will carry it through the ages. When I tasted this wine from barrel last year, I described it as demure. One year later, the wine is bursting with confidence, character and moxie. ML

A rich, plum- and cherry-laced red, aligned with a sumptuous texture, lively acidity and refined tannins. Though dense, this remains light-footed and beautifully integrated. Bass notes of tar, soy, iron and tobacco add depth and complexity as this winds down on the finish. BS

This is a very early sneak peek at a wine that still has a long way to go. The 2015 Barolo Francia is softly elegant and demure. At this point in the wine's infancy, it shows silky tight tannins and crunchy fruit brightness. The wine boasts an impressive sense of freshness, focus and precision with small berry nuances followed by grilled rosemary, crushed river stone and campfire ash. The 2015 vintage is similar to 2011 in that it offers broad shoulders and a firm spine of structure at the back. The acidity is very nicely integrated as well.

Black cherry, proper tar and leather aromas. Smoky, toasty scent as well as forest-floor and medicinal notes on the length. Aristocratic. (RH)