1995 Barbaresco

The 1995 Barbaresco displays an amber edge to its evolved garnet/ruby color, as well as aromas of cedar, spice, weedy tobacco, dried herbs, and cherry fruit. In the mouth, there are licorice, floral, and berry-like flavors, backed by good acidity, medium body, and fine richness. It is a traditionally-styled, unfiltered Barbaresco to drink over the next 5-6 years. This wine is evolved, with more limited aging potential than Giacosa's wines from such great vintages as 1990, 1989, 1988, and 1978. I suspect readers are in for some exquisite wines from the 1996 and 1997 vintages from Piedmont's most notable guardian of traditional winemaking - Bruno Giacosa. This release includes several wines from the 1996 vintage, but it is also apparent that Giacosa has done reasonably well in the more difficult years of 1995 and 1993. Leonardo Locasio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620