Bruno Besa: Light garnet to tawny. Herbal, complex, nuts and prunes nose, a touch developed, yet earthy and layered, with tar, truffles, and smoked meat. Full body, black fruits and fine tannins on the palate, with a long, wet-earth finish. Classic Monforte Barolo for medium-term cellaring. 93

Andrew Jefford: Clear, translucent, with some tile among the garnet. Open, sweet, mellow, resonant aromas of ripe yet forest-poised fruits. A super aromatic profile here. Very concentrated: real density and strike of fruit here. Driving and fine. It is perhaps a little forceful and brutal compared to the mellow best of its peers, but there is a huge amount to enjoy, and it will repay cellaring. 89

Michael Palij: Very pretty nose with red currant, cranberry, black cherry, coconut, strawberry, chocolate, cinnamon, and forest floor. On the palate this is very lively and balanced with fresh, bright acidity, layers of fruit and restrained tannins. Given the concentration of fruit allied to the structural components I suspect that this will age well for another decade. 94