The Barbaresco 1978, Pio Cesare, had 13.5% alcohol. A small back label indicated that it was aged in oak casks and bottled without filtering. There were no cork or other issues, and the fill was in the low neck. This was my only bottle, and it was stored properly since shortly after release
The color was still quite intense with only a little age showing around the rim. It had intense fruit, but not as much tar character as a classic Barolo. There still was some medium tannin and plenty of acidity. It had a full body and the finish was long. It likely would hold at least a few years longer. This is a wine that should hold up to most very rich meat and game, although I had it with prime beef filet. I have had very mixed tasting notes for Barolos and Barbarescos from the 70s. Some very robust ones turned brown fairly early on and would be completely undrinkable by now. Others, such as this one have aged well -- and everything in between.