2015 Giacomo Borgogno e Figli Fossati Barolo 750 ml

The Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Fossati is among the seminal, must-know bottlings of Barolo.  

Poured at The French Laundry, it’s a virtuosic expression of Fossati, one of the tiniest and most famous crus in the coveted village of La Morra. If you’re looking for a paragon of classical Barolo, you can’t do better than this stellar bottle from Borgogno, the iconic producer that’s been setting the bar for this region since the 1700s.

Vinous’ Antonio Galloni set this Borgogno apart as one of the greats. He wrote: “The 2015 is impeccably balanced, with just enough fruit to stand up to the edgy Fossati tannins. This is very nicely done.” A seasoned veteran of Barolo tastings, James Suckling was rhapsodic in his praise: “A full-bodied red, yet it’s tight and very refined and focused. The polish is wonderful. So beautiful now, but will improve with age.”

Founded in 1761, Giacomo Borgogno & Figli is one of the oldest estates in the region. Their wine was poured at the official lunch honoring Italy’s unification in 1861, and their cellar of back vintages is one of the wonders of the Langhe. Collectors go after this estate like art buyers after a Vermeer.

A traditional vinification script ensures decades of aging potential. The maceration is long, extending over 40 days as the juice soaks on the grape skins, deepening the color, intensity, and powerful tannins. Four years in Slavonian oak casks plus further refinement in bottle serve to gently tame this giant without detracting from its expression of terroir.

It’s a timeless release from an epic vintage and one of Barolo’s most celebrated producers.