With Hart, Jess, Eric, Tiara and Bradian at J&E’s housewarming

YUMMM. Finally an amazing Barbaresco to break my multi-years streak of bad Barolo/Barbarescos.
The dinner theme was “Californian Italian”, and I was choosing between the delicious Lillian and this. I’m so glad I chose this.

Slow-oxed for 2 hours, stayed full bloom for the next hour or so as we finished it. The cork was in oddly new condition with barely a tiny layer of staining. I wonder if this was corked late / re-corked? Idk.

In the glass: photo is misleading. With more volume, it was a bright intense ruby, with a lighter garnet/orange rim.

On the nose: fresh off the bottle, it worried me. It was pure sharp intense licorice and high alcohol. I hated it, and reminded me of the last Barolo that I poured down the sink. BUT Oh let me tell you. With air… THIS. WAS. SO. DAMN. GOOD. the florals and fruits just developed and intensified into this bouquet of roses, cherry, sweet red plums (not smth I usually get in Nebbiolos). Earthiness at the end. The licorice remained distinct but just became this floating note at the background. Tiny touch of oak. Distinct mid++ alcohol. This was such an intensely aromatic little guy I loved it.

On the palate: distinct grippy tannins, but it releases quickly. Mid+ acidity. Juicy, weighty, and just intense on the palate.

This is 17 years old, but it’s still just an absolute baaaaaaby of a wine with at least a decade to go I reckon. With roast chicken and red sauce pasta? Perfecto.

YUUUUUUM