Paolo Fenocchio Barolo 1971
13.9% 720ml
This is the Pianpolvere Soprana vineyard in the Bussia district in Monforte. Paolo is Riccardo's father. Giacosa was quoted as saying this was the best vineyard in all of Barolo, or something like that. I haven't had too much luck with it though. I've had two from 1985 from Ricardo and wasn't too impressed. I still have the 1989.
From their website -
https://www.pianpolveresoprano.it/en/"From a historical point of view, the vineyard is divided into Vigna Pianpolvere Soprano, exclusive property of Rocche dei Manzoni, and Vigna Pianpolvere. The name dates back to the late 1700’s, when Napoleon built a powder magazine on this plot. It subsequently fell into the hand of the church and, at the beginning of the 1900’s, it was bought by the Fenocchio’s family, who produced wine from this grape for sixty-eight years.
Since 1998, it belongs to the Migliorini’s family, wine-producer in Monforte d’Alba, at Rocche dei Manzoni."
I'm having serious buyer's regret with this wine source. All of them look fantastic but end up being tired or damaged. This was no different. The cork was saturated. The color was beautiful but quickly noticed how utterly translucent the wine was. Like something dropped out of it. Indeed, the wine tasted like water or diluted wine. Borderline undrinkable. A glass the next day from the dregs in the re-corked bottle was decent and even a little intriguing. A very savory and resolved feel to it. I do not think that the bottle would have improved had we left it open or re-corked for 24 hours. I think whatever goodness was left in the bottle settled at the bottom as I stood it up for a month+. Water above, wine below! I think the label is cool, though.
Thanks
Fraser