Long before the Barolo and Barbaresco DOCGs began defining all the vineyards in the district in order to allow the use of their names on labels, the Cannubi vineyard was recognized as one of the top, with none given more prestige. The wonderful thing about “Grand Cru” vineyards in Piedmont is that not only are they approachable earlier, but they age more gracefully as well. 2012 was an excellent year throughout Barolo and even wines from average vineyards are ready for drinking now. This wine, then, is ready to be enjoyed but will keep for many years if you wish. How far along in the development curve, where fruit recedes and savory herbs and spices surge, is the perfect time to open a Barolo? Even if one could know for certain how that particular bottle was developing in its specific cellaring conditions, it would be a matter of personal preference. To find out a person is well advised to find an ageable wine that they particularly like and then to buy a fairly large quantity with which to check in over the years.