Hi Marc,

I did not taste any 1998 on release. Your comment is interesting as the vintage was labeled as a warm, early-drinking vintage. From 1998 I've had Marcarini Brunate, Produttori Barbaresco normale and Einaudi Costa Grimaldi - all of them pretty much tasted like a warm, early drinking vintage. One of the Produttori's was the most Californian-like Barbaresco/Barolo I've ever had - very ripe.

I've also had the Cavallotto Bricco Boschis, which was exactly as you describe - a tannic beast. I'm going to leave them alone for quite a while.

I too have the G. Rinaldi that you mention - not sure when to drink that!

Thanks
Fraser