1978 Barolo Villero Riserva
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Tasting notes
These three 1978s from Bruno Giacosa were all lovely. None are considered among his very best work by thecognoscenti, so they remain somewhat under the radar, but they are jewels just the same. The 1978 Barolo Villero (white label) was finest of the three wines in this flight. Although not up to the level of the 1978 red label Villero, the white label was a fine poor-man’s substitute, with plenty of vineyard and vintage character, and that inimitable Giacosa perfume.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Things get back on track quickly with the 1978 Barolo Riserva Speciale Villero, an epic wine that shows all of its pedigree. Firm, classic 1978 tannins support massive fruit, spices, leather and licorice in this icon of Piedmont. Wow! What a showing.
Giacosa’s 1978 Barolo Riserva Speciale Villero flowed with spices, flowers, menthol and dark fruit. This focused, powerful and pure Barolo is one of the finest wines of this extraordinary vintage for Piedmont’s reds, and this particular bottle was one of the most young, backward examples I have ever encountered. It was magnificent.
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.