Vintage Piedmont – Is there anything better?

The Piedmont is one of my favorite wine regions in the world and we do more than our fair share of tastings with the nebbiolo varietal but this is truly a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to taste wines from the some of the greatest vintages from the 1960’s, 1970’s and the 1980’s. We could promote this event as a vintage Giacosa tasting as we have over 50% of the selections are from this famous producer. The wine of the night could be a surprise tonight as this Spanna from Vallana is one of the dark horses and has been a huge surprise in past tastings, but the Rinaldi 1974 should also be a special treat- this is an event that our Piedmont lovers will not want to miss! Wine Watch Catering’s Toni Lampasone will be making a special menu to accompany the tasting wines and the price of this tasting is $250 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463. 1961 Spanna Vallana 1964 Giacomo Conterno Barolo (98 Points) Conterno’s 1964 Barolo presents an incredibly fresh, delicate and perfumed nose that continues seamlessly onto the palate, showing flavors of cherries and spices, and finishing with very sweet, soft tannins. I am at a loss to explain or describe this wine’s extraordinary youthfulness and sheer appeal. This wine is inviting and refreshing beyond words. My impression is of drinking a stunning wine at its absolute peak. Truly exceptional and unforgettable. Made from a blend of grapes the estate purchased from the Ginestra zone in Monforte, and Serralunga. Antonio Galloni In the Cellar, Apr 2007 1971 Giacomo Conterno Barolo (94 Points) Conterno's 1971 Barolo offered a more powerful personality, with firmer tannins and greater length than the 1967. Antonio Galloni, In the Cellar, May 2008 1974 Rinaldi Barolo Riserva 1978 Ceretto Barolo Zonchera 1982 Giacosa Barbaresco Santa Stephano 1985 Giacosa Barolo Falleto Riserva 1989 Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stephano (90 Points) The 1989 Barbaresco-Santo Stefano red label (which Giacosa compares to the 1982) is a firm, closed, densely concentrated wine that gives only hints of its potential. With airing, it offers up a sweet, gamey, cherry, and tobacco-scented perfume. However, its richness is most noticeable at the back of the palate. Its full-bodied personality exhibits considerable tannin. Seven hundred cases of this wine were made for release later this year. It is refreshing that Bruno Giacosa, the quiet and dignified winemaking genius of Neive, is the least promotion-conscious winemaker in Italy. Justifiably, he prefers to let his wines do the talking for him. Wine Advocate #92, Apr 1994