WTN: Oberto 1996

Andrea Oberto, Barolo, 'vigna Rocche', 1996

Bought a small bunch of these on distributor closeout and have never been enamored by them, but this was the best showing yet, which is not saying much. Still austere, cherry bark and pit and freshly dug sassafras root, but not nearly so unforgiving/unfriendly as previous bottles. With additional airtime, a little licorice and mint show up, but there is something missing on the palate. For $20 it is merely okay, for more than that, a disgrace.

thanks for note. I have a few of these, but haven't tried except a single bottle when the closeout sale (Post? I think $20 is right) occurred, hard and ungiving at that time, I buried them

It feels like burying the remainder for a decade is the best option. Nothing to lose from the sound of it, and with the structure of the 1996s, I'd be looking for a good few years cellaring before cracking them anyway. No miracles promised, but it seems a low risk bet.

regards
Ian