Checking in on the 1999 Barbarescos

Some vintages are pretty easy to understand when they are young. That was certainly the case with most years during the second half of the 1990s. But 1999 was always the outlier. So many wines were austere and tough when they were first released. Today, it is a different story. A number of wines have blossomed while others have faded. Overall, 1999 has turned out to be average vintage in Barbaresco. At this point most wines offer little potential for upside, making 1999 an excellent vintage for near-term drinking.

 The heart of
Ovello, Barbaresco

The heart of Ovello, Barbaresco

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Some vintages are pretty easy to understand when they are young. That was certainly the case with most years during the second half of the 1990s. But 1999 was always the outlier. So many wines were austere and tough when they were first released. How are the 1999s today?