1996 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Gallina di Neive

Community Tasting Notes (19) Avg Score: 91.9 points

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  11/4/2022 - Frank Murray III wrote:

  Served alongside the 1996 Giacosa Santo Stefano di Nieve--both blind, and for kicks, with the 2010 Vietti Rocche di Castiglione (which for me was most unlike the other two, of course). The aromatics, balance and suave nature of the Gallina hit me just right. Rose petal aroma, with a tangy, sweet tobacco, cedar, crunchy cherry palate and a subtle yet present backbone. In contrast the 1996 Santo Stefano seemed immediately more accessible to me, with both a creamy and well-suited ripeness. However, what I also found was with air in the glass, it seemed to tighten as the night went on. So, I ended up landing with the Gallina more to my liking, but what I continue to be marveled by is that these wines age so well, almost glacially in speed, and I'm fortunate that I have good friends around me that share these wines so generously.

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  2/2/2020 - WoodieBayArea wrote: 92 Points

  high marks for traditional style, this could have been two plus pts higher with just a modest amount of add'l fruit, this had great acidity, tartan mouthwatering, punchy tar and licorice, good oomph on the palate (liked it best on night three -- after two nights of gassing and fridge) but just a tiny bit unwelcoming

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  1/31/2020 - kenv Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Gala Dinner at La Festa del Barolo 2020 (The Pool Restaurant, NYC): Sweet perfume of violets and red fruit. Juicy plums. Long and still a little tannic.

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  6/14/2019 - NostraBacchus Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Right after opening, I was a little worried as there was a touch of oxidative notes showing, fortunately this blew off with some air (isn‘t Nebbiolo weird sometimes?). Notes of dried fruits, some tar, also some deep menthol notes with more air, brown sugar and some herbal notes too. It‘s medium bodied, with medium acidity and lower-medium tannin that has melted away nicely. Good balance and length. This is missing a little bit of depth and complexity compared to the best Giacosas but still has the signature perfume and finesse. I would drink this over the next 2-3 years before it‘s fading more.

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  5/29/2018 - LW31 Likes this wine:

  Strict and sharp when first opened. High toned. Classic 1996. After 45 min of air started to broaden and show more fruit and depth. Even better with a grilled t-bone that softened it and sweetened it a bit. Probably best with another 2-3 hrs open or a few more years.

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View all 19 Community Tasting Notes

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