1978 Barolo

Teobaldo Cappellano’s 1978 Barolo was one of my favorite under the radar wines until he became well-known in this country a few years ago. A dark, mysterious wine, the 1978 was all iron, smoke, tar and black fruit. In other words, a classic expression of Serralunga and the Parafada vineyard. I was thrilled to see the 1978 Cappellano in the line-up, since it was a last minute addition from one of the attendees. Needless to say, this incredible gesture of generosity was deeply appreciated by all, and was a great example of the camaraderie the world’s best wines inspire. Thank you!

Cappellano’s 1978 Barolo was one of the highlights of the night. I remember paying an absurdly low amount for this wine a few years back. All of the bottles have been superb, but this one, my last, was phenomenal. The wine flowed with masses of dark, primary fruit that completely obscured the tannins, creating a sensation of roundness that was breathtaking. This incredibly pure, harmonious Barolo was monumental.

Dark ruby. Cappellano's 1978 Barolo is a magical effort. It is deeply colored and endowed with massive amounts of dark ethereal fruit, licorice, tar and scorched earth flavors that gradually emerge as it sits in the glass. I have been fortunate to drink several impeccable bottles of this wine over the last few months. I double-decanted my most recent bottle at noon and eight hours later it was still developing, offering tasters glimpses of its chameleon-like personality with each passing moment. It is a classic Barolo that should continue to drink well for at least another decade if not considerably longer.