Nicolas Belfrage: Deep, attractive royal hue, almost opaque. Plums and small flowers hinted at. Ripe, rich, and velvety palate, a very good example of the modern style, which should last for years, though drinking from 2016. 92

Bruno Besa: Deep garnet to tawny. Open, mature, cedarwood nose, with prunes and smoked meat, mushrooms and truffles. Balanced, prunejuice palate, with great tannins and a long, clean finish. Another very open, mature Castiglione Barolo. 90

Andrew Jefford: Deep black-red. A few notes of woody greenness here—yet for some it will seem fresh and engaging. Cologne-like. Soft and open; does the job, but for me there is a mixed ripeness issue and a lack of concentration that put this wine among the merely good rather than exciting contenders. 83