While working on this report, I had lunch with Gaia Gaja while she was visiting Denver, Colorado, and she brought a bottle of 1982 Barbaresco. Showing how beautifully these wines age, this gorgeous Barbaresco was still ruby to the rim and offers a classic, mature bouquet of dried cherries, leafy herbs, tobacco, and spice. Medium-bodied, seamless, and elegant, yet still packed with sweet fruit, it’s glorious Barbaresco drinking at point. It should have no issues keeping for another decade, but there’s no need to delay gratification.

Gaja’s 1982 Barbaresco was surprisingly dense, powerful and brooding but in such a sweet spot on this night. (AG)

(No tasting note available.)