Sunday 16 April 2017

1989 & 1996 Barbaresco Riserva, Salvano

With the traditionally Easter roast lamb its customary to pour some Bordeaux. Not in this household - here it is Nebbiolo all the way!

1989 Barbaresco Riserva, Salvano
I would venture that this bottle has suffered from some heat. Not bad at all, and with the food it held its own, but a 89 should have been better (given how the 96 performed, see below). Perfect fill and a perfect cork, but alas.
The nose is big, deep and (over)mature, with notes of crushed strawberries with some white mold on them, moist earth, melted asphalt and cooked cherries. Rich but a bit loose around the edges. A fine warmth though.
The taste is big and brawny with notes of cooked red fruit, moits undergrowth, soft liquorice and old tobacco. A long, warm finish with drying out tannins at the end. Again, worked well with the food.
84p   (tasted 2017/04)


1996 Barbaresco Riserva, Salvano
The 96 is a stunner. The nose soars up from the glass with notes of ripe red cherries, warm tiles, fried herbs, violets and a ever so slight touch of mint. Very, very fine. High, pure and enticing.
The taste is still tight with a very good structure and notes of hard cherry candy, dried raspberries, autumn leaves and dry asphalt. A long, dry, salivating finish, leaving you wanting another sip. In a perfect drinking stage, but should go on effortless for another 8+ years. This is goood!
93p   (tasted 2017/04)

1999 Barolo, Salvano tasted here.

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