I was promised a dinner of Beef Short Ribs alongside this Barolo by some old friends.  No formal tasting notes were taken but from memory- medium garnet in the glass with some bricking on the edges and a slow moving set of legs on the walls.  The nose was seductive with aromas of red cherry, mushroom, leather, tobacco, cloves and forest floor.  The palate was showing layers of tertiary flavors alongside a crisp acidity and very svelte tannins.  This 12 year old Nebbiolo has matured beautifully and the earthy, savory notes have started to overtake the once powerful tart cherry notes I know this wine had in youth.  It’s still there, but not so fresh, not so prominent.  The mushroom component was quite exciting to me, it’s not very often I get to notice this development.  Forest floor, tobacco and leather complement the umami note.  On the mid palate, this medium weight wine has great transition and the faint cherry note reappears.  Adding some acidity on the finish, what is left of the fruit balances the earthy tertiary notes whilst the last vestiges of tannin balance out the acidity.  It’s a magnificent wine that once got 94 points from the pros.  I would agree.  It can still be found for under a hundo on the www.  Drink soon with some rich, layered stews or pastas.  5 stars.  Salut….