Bersano Barolo Riserva 2005 (75cl, 14.5%)

A Barolo DOCG Riserva from Piedmont, Italy, made from 100% Nebbiolo and matured in wooden barrels for five years, including eight months in French oak. The 2005 vintage is a fully mature expression from a historic Piedmont estate, with extended wood ageing and additional bottle rest building tertiary complexity and a more resolved tannic structure. The bouquet opens with dried violet and rose petal, then ripe blackberry and a subtle mint underpinning, with earthy leather and cocoa emerging with time. The palate is dry and grippy, with dense texture, black cherry, cacao, firm but well-integrated tannins, dried herb and bittersweet chocolate. The finish is persistent, with leather, espresso, dark fruit and a subtle mineral thread.