The 1998 Ceretto Barbaresco Faset comes from an "Excellent" vintage for Barbaresco. This wine presents a darkish ruby red color with browning at the edges, indicating its maturity. The nose offers notes of prunes, earth, and tar, with an initial burst of plums and blackberries that tends to fade, leaving mostly tertiary notes. Other descriptions include a slightly orange tint to the ruby color, aromas of black tea leaf and red fruit, leading to a light-bodied palate with flavors of red fruit and herbs and a short, thin finish. However, some also describe it as a lithe, feminine rendition with delicate floral and dried cherry notes, accented by cedar and leather, coming together in an elegant, harmonious whole. Intense aromas of cherry liqueur, licorice, and leather are also noted, with a medium-bodied profile and concentration, though some hard tannins might be present. Given its age and some reports of it being "a tad over the hill", this wine should be approached with appropriate expectations. It is generally advised *not* to decant this wine and to drink it quickly once opened to capture its remaining fruit and character. Handle with care due to its age and potential fragility of the cork. Serve at around 16-18°C (60-64°F). 🥂 This Barbaresco Faset is best suited for a casual dinner with friends who appreciate mature, earthy red wines, understanding that it might be past its peak but still offering interesting tertiary development. It's a wine to be consumed quickly with food. 🍴 This wine is noted as being versatile at the table. Given its evolving profile, it would pair well with lighter red meat dishes, mushroom-based pasta, poultry, or medium-aged hard cheeses. Avoid overly rich or powerful dishes that might overwhelm its delicate nature. 【A lithe, feminine rendition of Barbaresco】