Barolo Riserva

Peat, prune, liquorice sticks, tea, ceramic notes. Very metallic aftertaste, bright acidity, firm tannin - this one hasn't softened the way the '58 has. A whiff of acetone, and the alcohol feels more prominent. Drying. Old-school in the truest sense - unapologetically austere, more intellectual than hedonistic. A legendary vintage that's showing its age honestly rather than gracefully. Still fascinating, but the hardest glass to love tonight.