March 27, 2024 - Slow ox’ed 4 hrs and decanted for 90 mins. In terrific shape for a wine of its age - color was still dark. Can easily go longer but no point in waiting
July 22, 2023 - Dominated by lactic acidity and the heavy fruit that seems to have been in a box for far too long.
May 16, 2023 - Gaja Dinner with Yarom and the gang at Locanda Veneta on April 13th
Faint nose, so Burgundian, like a 10 year old vosne romanee, so pretty and elegant. Amazing quality considering the age of this and being the base wine.
June 11, 2022 - Jim's Retirement Party (Libertyville, IL): From magnum, this was one of today's biggest disappointments. Tired and maybe some VA hints that made this seem completely lackluster.
June 11, 2022 - Jim's Retirement Party (Libertyville, IL): From magnum. Slightly volatile, but not to the point where it's undrinkable. I'm guessing that this bottle wasn't showing as well as the best examples of this wine. Somewhat nondescript, with some dried red fruit notes, and a slightly distracting touch of soy. Resolved; if I had any, I think it'd be worthwhile to open a bottle or two at this point.
January 2, 2021 - Light airy and tart.
August 10, 2020 - #3 of 6 purchased from Armand @ Marcolini (Brooklyn) in 1982. Beautiful color, lovely engaging bouquet. This bottle was in a great place, clean dark cherry fruit laced with spice and cured meat notes. Balanced, good acidity and mellowed tannins. Delicious with grilled rack of lamb
August 9, 2020 - Served blind by Paul, this was classic older Nebbiolo all the way; balsamic on the nose with some game and a touch of coffee on the palate. I don't find mid to late 70s nebbiolo to be an especially great time for piedmont, but they're very fun bottles when well stored.
November 30, 2019 - More tar than roses at this stage. Limited appeal for me.
September 7, 2019 - Acker 2019/09; 9/5/2019-9/7/2019 (Le Bernardin Prive, Marea): Flawed.