E. Pira & Figli Chiara Boschis Barolo Riserva 1962

Although I remember that this was distinctly hard to open last year. The cork came apart in my hands. ­It was still a beauty after so many years. It was remarkably fresh and clean, showing so much life and intensity. There were rose petals and orange peel on the nose and palate and tons of dried fruit and mushrooms. The finish was particularly vibrant and fresh. Old-kept bottles of well-kept Barolos continue to amaze me. I even called up Chiara Boschis in excitement, and she was amazed ­given that 1962 was not a particularly noteworthy vintage. 94 points