1969 Barbaresco Santo Stefano
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Tasting notes
Nineteen sixty-nine is one of the most difficult vintages in Piedmont to learn about. It was before my time, so I can’t add any personal insights. Contemporary accounts describe a cold, rainy vintage. Even so, most examples I have tasted recently have actually held up quite well. And that is the case with Bruno Giacosa’s 1969 Barbaresco Santo Stefano. Fully mature and also a touch angular, the 1969 offers up an appealing melange of leather, smoke, tobacco, tar and dark fruit. While it is not an exceptional wine, the 1969 shows what Giacosa was capable of in weaker years when he was at the peak of his powers. For that reason alone, this is a beautiful wine to savor and appreciate.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The real surprise here is the 1969 Barbaresco Santo Stefano, which comes across as rich and powerful, showing awesome richness and depth. Although no upside remains with any of these 1960s Giacosa Barbarescos, if perfectly stored, they should keep another few years. Still, I am not tempted to push my luck with my own remaining bottles at this stage.
About the producer
Bruno Giacosa – now run by daughter Bruna – is a cult Nebbiolo producer, that has consistently made some of the best single-vineyard Barbaresco and Barolo from the 1960s onwards. The“red-label” Riservas are some of the finest and most collectable wines in Italy.