95 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Borgogno, founded in 1761 in the village of Barolo, is one of Piedmont’s historic traditionalist estates. Liste is among the estate’s most important crus, known for producing an austere, vertical and long-lived expression of Nebbiolo; the 2012 Riserva has now entered a compelling stage of maturity while retaining the structure for further development.

Blend: 100% Nebbiolo.
Tasting Notes: Mature and complex, with dried rose, red cherry and raspberry joined by truffle, leather, tobacco, forest floor and camphor. The palate remains structured and savory, showing pomegranate, licorice and dried herbs over firm, noble tannins, with the earthy and balsamic nuances of mature Nebbiolo emerging on the persistent finish.
Structure: Austere, firmly tannic and vertical, with mature complexity, fresh acidity and considerable persistence.
Drink Window: Drink now through 2035. Wine Enthusiast originally suggested 2021–2032, though well-stored bottles should continue to evolve beyond that range.

Decanting: Stand the bottle upright in advance to allow sediment to settle, then decant carefully for approximately 30–60 minutes before serving. At this stage of maturity, the goal is to separate sediment and gently open the aromatics rather than subject the wine to prolonged aeration.

The 2012 Liste Riserva is a compelling choice for the collector who values traditionally styled Barolo with genuine bottle age and unmistakable Nebbiolo character. Its combination of dried florals, truffle, savory complexity and persistent structure makes it particularly rewarding alongside braised beef, game, porcini or aged cheeses, while its historic pedigree gives it the presence for an important dinner or a thoughtfully chosen cellar bottle.