The 1990 Barolo offers fine ripeness, a soft, fleshy, chewy texture, excellent definition, and admirable length. It will drink well over the next decade. The Fontanafredda estate is one of the oldest Piedmont estates. Interestingly, in my college and law school days the Fontanafredda Barolos were my introduction to the wonders of Piedmontese wines. A few bottles of the 1970 and 1971, bearing price tags of $5.99, remain in my cellar. Both wines are still drinking beautifully, revealing no signs of decline, a testament to just how long these wines can last. In top vintages, Fontanafredda can produce a half dozen or more single vineyard Barolos. In the tastings I did in Piedmont, the winery presented one bottling of 1990 and four bottlings of 1989, three of which were single vineyard wines. The quality of the 1989s looks to be very high. Importer: Dreyfus, Ashby, and Co., New York, NY.

Hard and chewy, with some pretty raspberry and strawberry flavors underneath, echoing plum and tar on the finish. The fruit suggests it will be at its best after 1997 or 1998.??–null??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add