Giacomo Borgogno & Figli
Riserva Barolo Nebbiolo
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
I was given this bottle as a birthday gift from some close friends a couple of years back. Last night, we had them over for a holiday dinner and figured now would be just as good a time as any to open and enjoy with them! I pulled the cork about two hours prior to dinner, just to give it some time to breath. Deep ruby color with quite a bit of sediment present; about to be expected considering it has over two decades of age. The nose is quite expressive with a whole hedge of roses, red cherry fruit, some tar and tobacco too. On the palate, tart red cherries, balsamico, earth, mushrooms and herbs. I think the age has probably softened this up a bit however, plenty of structure remains. I would say this Borgogno Riserva is enjoying a really nice, mid-life drinking window but should drink well for at least another decade and possibly longer.
I was given this bottle as a birthday gift from some close friends a couple of years back. Last night, we had them over for a holiday dinner and figured now would be just as good a time as any to open and enjoy with them! I pulled the cork about two hours prior to dinner, just to give it some time to breath. Deep ruby color with quite a bit of sediment present; about to be expected considering it has over two decades of age. The nose is quite expressive with a whole hedge of roses, red cherry fruit, some tar and tobacco too. On the palate, tart red cherries, balsamico, earth, mushrooms and herbs. I think the age has probably softened this up a bit however, plenty of structure remains. I would say this Borgogno Riserva is enjoying a really nice, mid-life drinking window but should drink well for at least another decade and possibly longer.
Dec 18th, 20201998: Youthful. Broad on the palette, with tannins not far behind. This is the Barolo for CA Cab lovers, with a chewy, dense mouthfeel, yet packed with fruit and tasting brand new, rather than 17 years old. Also poured at Quince for white truffle menu. While not showing the same level of complexity as the 1971 or 1985 at the same meal, it was roundly admired, and preferred by some.
1998: Youthful. Broad on the palette, with tannins not far behind. This is the Barolo for CA Cab lovers, with a chewy, dense mouthfeel, yet packed with fruit and tasting brand new, rather than 17 years old. Also poured at Quince for white truffle menu. While not showing the same level of complexity as the 1971 or 1985 at the same meal, it was roundly admired, and preferred by some.
Nov 28th, 2015
Nice Cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, earthy, big structure and tannins. Hold another 3-5 years
Nice Cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, earthy, big structure and tannins. Hold another 3-5 years
May 5th, 2015
Always good, never great (unless they are some of the older 40-50's non recorked wines). Solid Barolo just expect more from a Riserva.
Always good, never great (unless they are some of the older 40-50's non recorked wines). Solid Barolo just expect more from a Riserva.
Oct 26th, 2014
All fruits and acids are there. Still a young wine. Smooth tanines. Great stuff. Hint of tabacco.
All fruits and acids are there. Still a young wine. Smooth tanines. Great stuff. Hint of tabacco.
May 8th, 2018
Just a little Barolo while recipe testing. Damn fine with super rare venison with strawberry-fig glaze.
Just a little Barolo while recipe testing. Damn fine with super rare venison with strawberry-fig glaze.
Nov 22nd, 2016
Starting to round out. Bright acidity, but balanced with a bit of leather and earth.
Starting to round out. Bright acidity, but balanced with a bit of leather and earth.
Oct 15th, 2016