Nicolas Belfrage: Quite deep with the beginnings of turn. Damson and floral aromas, the nose drawing you into a sweet, concentrated, quite powerful, but fruit-driven palate that lasts in the mouth. Slightly drying finish but will last longer than most. 89

Bruno Besa: Deep garnet to tawny. Open, mature, nose, with prunes and morello cherries and hints of cedarwood and forest floor. Fullbodied and mature, with a decadent blackfruit palate. Another well-made Barolo for mid-term aging. 92

Andrew Jefford: Deep black-red. Earthy, warm, truffley, lots of rummaged earth. Later some sandalwood and frankincense. Vivid, deep, vital, yet broad and expressive, too. This has the light Castiglione fruit to it, yet it is also one of the wines in this tasting that has drawn most nourishment and depth from the skins, so drinkers should be ready for a stealthy opening palate and then a very firm, masterful, almost biting conclusion. Aromatically nuanced and pristine, this is hugely impressive wine. It’s not Serralunga, but when Castiglione is this good... 92