1961 Barbaresco
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Tasting notes
It would be a massive understatement to say that Giacosa’s 1961 Barbaresco Riserva Speciale is a rare bird. The ’61 Riserva Speciale is a wine of historical significance for at least two reasons. It is the first wine Giacosa made under his own label, and also the product of a vintage that was considered very ripe and high in alcohol for its time. I have only had it a few times. This is not a perfect bottle, but its importance and the generosity of the person who shared it make it very special just the same.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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We were utterly captivated by Bruno Giacosa's 1961 Barbaresco Riserva Speciale, the first wine Giacosa made under his own name. It revealed a sweet, delicate, ethereal personality, with surreal balance, poise and tautness. Although other, more “important” wines would follow, we had the incredible fortune of catching this wine at absolute peak of expression which caused conversation at the table to stop as we all marveled at this wine's utter profoundness. This was my one and only bottle of this majestic wine and it was a thrill to share it with this group. It was without question one of the evening's highlights.
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.