Vietti’s 2004 Barolo Castiglione is superb. This impressively rich, concentrated Barolo is fresh and perfumed, with plenty of sweet fruit supported by awesome structure and power. With air delicate notes of herbs and tobacco emerge, adding further complexity. With this effort, the Castiglione bottling takes an important step in Currado’s plan to make this wine much closer in quality to his single-vineyard offerings. No longer the accessible easy going wine it once was, the 2004 is a big, big wine. The Castiglione is made from a variety of plots, many of which are too small to vinify separately for purely practical reasons. These include Bricco Fiasco, Ravera, Fossati, Bussia and Le Coste (Monforte). Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Importer: Remy Cointreau USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 424-2204

A subtle, yet complex and perfumed nose, with flowers, plum and blackberry. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a polished texture. Delicately fruity and refined. More open than Vietti's big name single-vineyard Barolos. Best after 2010. 2,600 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Made in a modern, more accessible style, with a stunning nose of mocha, singed meat, roses and coffee. Earth and violets prevail in the mouth and carry over to the long finish. The refined tannin structure tempts early consumption but a few years cellaring will add to the complexity.——W.E.(2/1/2010)—— 91