1989 Barolo Vigna La Rosa

The most concentrated ot the 1989 Barolos is the Barolo La Rosa. This vineyard, one of the largest of the Fontanafredda crus, produced a wine of great depth, full body, a ripe, cherry, herb, cedary-scented nose, and rich, deep, fleshy, moderately tannic flavors. Approachable now, it promises to last for 10-15 years. The Fontanafredda estate is one of the oldest Piedmont estates. Interestingly, in my college and law school days the Fontanafredda Barolos were my introduction to the wonders of Piedmontese wines. A few bottles of the 1970 and 1971, bearing price tags of $5.99, remain in my cellar. Both wines are still drinking beautifully, revealing no signs of decline, a testament to just how long these wines can last. In top vintages, Fontanafredda can produce a half dozen or more single vineyard Barolos. In the tastings I did in Piedmont, the winery presented one bottling of 1990 and four bottlings of 1989, three of which were single vineyard wines. The quality of the 1989s looks to be very high. Importer: Dreyfus, Ashby, and Co., New York, NY.