The 1989 Barolo is even better than the 1990! It is simply a miraculous bottle of Barolo considering it was made to be sold in bulk. The wine reveals notable intensity in its layers of fruit, showing terrific verve and freshness all the way through to the long, deeply satisfying finish. Simply put, Cascina Bongiovanni’s 1989 Barolo is a testament to the greatness of Nebbiolo and the 1989 vintage. Needless to say, this was one of the most positive surprises of my tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. These two Barolos from Cascina Bongiovanni are really more curiosities, as the wines were never released commercially. Still, they make a compelling argument for the potential of the estate’s Pernanno vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. Proprietor Davide Mozzone found these Barolos, which were made by his grandfather, in demijohn when he took over his family’s property in the mid 1990’s. The wines, originally intended for the bulk market, were vinified in cement and subsequently aged in the refurbished beer casks that were common in Piedmont during this period.