The 1989 Barolo Bricco Rocche doesn’t quite have the integrity of fruit of the Prapo , but it makes up for that with terrific overall balance and the seductiveness that is the hallmark of the Barolos of Castiglione Falletto. The finish is rich, round and sweet, with fine tannins that frame final notes of spices, flowers and dark fruits. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014.
I tasted these 1989s and 1990s during a visit to the winery in November, 2009. I was struck by how fast the 1990s have developed. I am tempted to think those wines were not stored perfectly for their entire lives, as I have tasted far fresher examples in the US. As a group, the 1989s were more satisfying. At the time these wines were made vinification and aging were still traditional in approach.