Nicolas Belfrage: Medium-deep color. Nose is more Bordeaux than Piemonte; wood and varnish. One detects high-quality fruit behind a wine that is compromised by internationality— probably very expensive and certainly made from top-quality fruit, but lacking in authenticity. Actually I would gladly drink it, because it’s extremely well-made wine, just not very Barolo - 16 I asked to taste this wine again, because I was not sure I hadn’t mixed it up with another wine. The following notes were made nonblind (see introduction): Medium color, with orange rim. Something unmistakably woody on the nose, though God knows where that comes from; almost the smokiness of barrique (but surely not). Immediate impact in the mouth, then widens into savory-fruity palate of amazing intensity and persistence. Very high-quality fruit, where is the ’06 massiveness? Great length and deserving of considerably more than (original score of) 16 points, but we have to play by the rules of the game.

Stephen Brook: Deep brick red. Rather baked, raisiny nose: fruitcake, Eastern spices. Very rich, sumptuous, and a touch tarry, though the tannins are relatively supple. There’s an odd toastiness on the mid-palate, and the acidity is subdued, so the wine overall lacks a little vigor and drive. Quite long, but with a chunky finish - 15

Jancis Robinson: Dark but very subtly graded color; deep ruby. Light aroma. Savory Marmite aromas with undertow of very ripe fruit—all in pretty admirable balance. Some dustiness rather than purity of fruit, but overall one of the more intriguing and alluring wines. Very clean finish, though not that long. Drink 2015–22 - 17.5