2010 Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo

Castiglione Falletto. Lacklustre ruby with orange tinges. Closed nose hinting at sweet fruit. Tiny hint of leather, a little tart and reluctant. A little too slim, perhaps, and seems to have little to hang on to, at least for now. (WS)

The 2010 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is dark, mysterious and inviting, with serious depth and layers of flavors that unfurl in the glass. Rose petal, sage, rosemary, licorice and mint wrap around a core of dense red cherry and pomegranate-infused fruit. This is a decidedly plush, powerful Riserva. There is plenty of tannin lurking beneath, though, so readers need to be patient. Incense, tobacco and hints of game add the closing shades of complexity. 93+ (AG)

This Riserva offers a very classic and traditional interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape. The 2010 Barolo Riserva Vignolo shows some texture on the palate as the wine moves forward with velvety richness and plushness. The bouquet, however, delivers important Nebbiolo authenticity with pressed rose, wild berry, balsam herb, earthy truffle and campfire ash. The whole effect is polished, buoyant and majestic. Aug 2017, www.robertparker.com