1978 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Albesani Vigna Santo Stefano
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Tasting notes
An old school-classic, the 1978 Barbaresco Santo Stefano more than lives up to its reputation. I did not taste the White Label Santo Stefano as part of a recent nearly complete vertical, so it is a pleasant surprise to see it on this night. Explosive and dense on the palate, the 1978 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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An epic, legendary bottle, Giacosa’s 1978 Barbaresco Riserva Speciale Santo Stefano is one of the most anticipated wines of the night. It does not disappoint. Fresh, powerful and structured, the 1978 SSR is the embodiment of this historic Piedmont vintage. Layers of dark fruit, menthol, spice and dried herbs unfurl in the glass as this potent, deep Barbaresco shows off its compelling, alluring personality. At this point, it is safe to say the wine is eternal. The longevity of bottles will be determined by how well corks hold as opposed to the quality of the wine itself. What a privilege it is to taste and drink the 1978 from a pristine bottle.
Giacosa’s 1978 Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano is rightly considered one of the iconic wines of the year. On this night it was monumental. A veritable kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors delighted everyone in the room as this structured, intense Barbaresco showed off its pedigree.
The 1978 Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano lives up to its reputation as one of the most profound wines ever made. The fruit shows a remarkable intensity, depth and purity. This is a sensual, compelling Barbaresco that conquers everyone at the table.
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.