1997 Italy

An incredible vintage and the best in Italy for over 50 years. In Piedmont the growing conditions were nigh on perfect and the harvest was virtually finished by the end of September, which is extremely early - especially for the normally late ripening Nebbiolo. In their youth the Barolos and Barbarescos echoed the amazing 1982s in the lushness of their fruit and their early accessibility. However, they ultimately possess more weight and have more structure, as well as displaying marvellous poise and balance. In Tuscany the quality is even higher and more uniform, and many growers claim to have produced their finest wines ever. Across the board there is an abundance of deeply coloured, powerful, ripe wines which, while hard to resist now, will continue to improve in bottle for many years to come. Sebastian Rosa, manager at Argiano, said: ;I really love 97…. Right from the beginning, we knew it was great, before we even put it in the barrel for ageing. It was so sweet, ripe and soft, with fabulous fruit and tannins.;