If memory serves—which it sometimes doesn’t—this was an inexpensive Garagiste “mystery” wine. And it’s not bad. Very light color with some ambering of the edges. Nose is Nebbiolo all the way, with macerated wild cherry fruit, lots of old barrel/mahogany scents, a a little gravelly hillside note. In the mouth, it’s a rather lean and austere style, good intensity, but a little angular, and the tannins are a bit scratchy. Needs food, which, luckily, I happen to be eating.
UPDATE: Night 2, after being under a vacuum closure, it’s softened and rounded in the mouth considerably. Upping score from 8.8 first night to 9.0.
If memory serves—which it sometimes doesn’t—this was an inexpensive Garagiste “mystery” wine. And it’s not bad. Very light color with some ambering of the edges. Nose is Nebbiolo all the way, with macerated wild cherry fruit, lots of old barrel/mahogany scents, a a little gravelly hillside note. In the mouth, it’s a rather lean and austere style, good intensity, but a little angular, and the tannins are a bit scratchy. Needs food, which, luckily, I happen to be eating.
UPDATE: Night 2, after being under a vacuum closure, it’s softened and rounded in the mouth considerably. Upping score from 8.8 first night to 9.0.
Apr 18th, 2026
Barbaresco, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
