Simon Larkin : The aromatics reveal slightly stewy plum and damson. The palate, while offering modest freshness, still has a stringent stewy plum quality. Disjointed, destroying any sense of balance. New oak overrides, otherwise suppressing the complexities that might be apparent. This may reward further cellaring over the short to mid-term. 14.5

Nicolas Belfrage: Quite deep, but just about credible for Nebbiolo. Pungent nose, alcoholic, some wood, something floral. The soupiness of the '97s, slightly flabby, pruney, though very Barolo-correct. A good producer not at his best in this year, or a good example of how 1997 went awry even for some good producers. 14