Nicolas Belfrage: Deepish, quite pungent on the nose - Bovril, tar, touch of rose. Good concentration and tannin-acid balance in place. Ripe, fine fruit, mouth-filling and reasonably long. Ready for drinking for Barolo-heads, though others would think it needs more time. Savoury and sweet at once, very typical of both Barolo and of 1997. 16.5

Simon Larkin : Vibrant hue. Very expressive aromatics of fragrant cherry and gentle vanillin. The palate shows a plush quality from the new oak, which masks the more subtle qualities of the fruit. Nonetheless, there is a depth to the smooth, vibrant palate of cherry red fruit beneath, that is both layered and relatively expansive. There is a forward, modern, more flamboyant nature throughout. Good persistence on the finish. Not a wine that would benefit from long cellarage. Drink now and for another four to six years. 15