TN: 1982 Barolo which isn't ready

Ciao Serge,

The old Prunotto “Bussia” and “Cannubi” Barolos from back in the day, before they were sold to Antinori, are some of the greatest bottles of Nebbiolo I have ever had, especially the 78s, 82s and 85s. On my list they range right up there with the other superstars like the Conternos, Giacosa, the Mascarellos and the Rinaldis.

I had this same wine in February and like you, thought it had many good years left in it, although my bottle was emminently drinkable. Here is the TN:

"OK. I picked the 1982 Alfredo Prunotto Barolo Riserva, “Bussia di Monforte d’Alba”, bottle number 4,111 of 21,600 produced, another Wasserman stash wine, which like the La Spinona had been standing up for a few days, letting the sediment settle nicely. I decanted, separating a small amount of sediment from the wine. However, the cork broke apart while being removed, the bottom falling into the wine, so I ran the wine through a metal sieve to catch the cork. No problem.

Color - dark blood red at the center, much darker than the La Spinona, with a touch of oranging at the rim, mature, but healthy. The nose is deep and rich but reticent at first, you have to work it, but as the wine warmed up from cellar temperature and got some air it began to give off the sorts of autumnal essences that mark a classic Barolo of the old school. Dark red fruits surprised me because of the age of the wine, 28 years, normally the fruit is more orange/tangerine at that age. Spicy black raspberry/blackberry/black cherry fruit, smoke, underbrush/earth/herbs and black licorice on the nose. Appears to have many good years ahead of it yet. On the palate it is big, rich dark fruit, spice, herbs, classic structure, medium tannins, juicy acidity, long, long finish. After a bit of duck breast glazed in soy sauce and honey, this wine is heaven. Needless to say both of us were well pleased. No rush to drink it but it is wonderful wine right now. Grade: solid A/A+."

“1945 Francesco Rinaldi e Figli Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/6/2011)
One of the best Barolo I ever had. I’ll never know if the wine was a fake or not, surprisingly young for 65 years old wine. I heard angels slaughtering demons while drinking this wine.”

LOL. Made me laugh even if I am not sure what “angels slaughtering demons” means. [cheers.gif]

Interesting, Serge. That explains a lot. [basic-smile.gif]

I think of this one when I drink good Barolo.

Serge,

Ah, yes, “Sweet Joni” (Neil Young).

When I have a good Amarone, I think of these cuties and my favorite song from them.

And then, when I have a disappointing Amarone, I think of this:

From their 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Serge,

Your good taste in women surprises me. (OK, just kidding, dude).

Nedra was always the hottest Ronette. She was Ronnie and Estelle’s cousin. dc.