1985 Barbaresco Santo Stefano Riserva
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Tasting notes
Full-bodied, unctuous and powerful in the glass, the 1985 Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano is a total turn on. Exotic spice, smoke, tobacco, dried rose petal, leather and licorice build into a heady crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. Although the 1985 is currently at a glorious peak of expression, I don’t expect it will improve much from here. Readers lucky enough to have had the 1985 know just how magical it is. Any remaining bottles are best enjoyed over the next decade or so.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bruno Giacosa's 1985 Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano completed this trio of profound Italian reds. It was soft, sensual and delicate. In other words: a sublime, mature Barbaresco from Bruno Giacosa.
Sadly, our bottle of the 1985 Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano was corked. It didn't matter. This was one of the most amazing flights of wines I have ever had the privilege of tasting.
We started with a flight of Bruno Giacosa’s mythical Barbaresco Santo Stefano Riserva that covered the great 1982, 1985, 1989 and 1990 vintages. The 1985 Barbaresco Santo Stefano Riserva was not as monumental or fresh as it can be. This bottle showed a slightly faded color and mostly resolved tannins along with ethereal notes of prunes, dried figs and spice cake. Still, it provided much pleasure.
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.