From one of the truly bona fide, historic and traditional Barolo houses comes a 2008 Barbaresco.

The Oddero family has been in La Morra since before the 1700s, and the seventh generation of family members is still in charge of their 35 hectares of Nebbiolo planted for Barolo and Barbaresco wines, some on seriously famous cru level land.

We opened this at 14 years old, and it took some time to open and evolve. We chose not to decant it, but rather enjoy it over a couple of hours, and watch its evolution in the glass.

On the eyes, it’s a translucent garnet with a nose of dried plum, roses, and dried herbs.  The palate is resplendent with purple plum, cherry, soy sauce, dusty violets and roses.  Tarragon and Chinese five spice are layered with light leather at the base of this elegant wine.

While on one hand it’s tender and delicate, the 2008 Barbaresco also has a structure that stands up well to food, and it loved our prime rib.  If you have a bottle of this, you’re one lucky camper.  Enjoy – it’s smack dab in the drinking window.