Sometimes, the once lesser rated vintages perform greater than expected over time. A good example is the 1996 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro directly from the Ruffino Cellars in combination with a brassato we had at Poletto restaurant in Hamburg. The freshness of the wine with its dried cherries, tea and autumn leaves and a savoury earthy tobacco finish pairs great with the slow cooked texture of the meat. The 96 is not as lavish, concentrated and polished as the 2018 version with its ripe fruit core but such a delight to drink.
