The 2006 Barolo Castiglione is frighteningly outstanding, considering it is Vietti’s entry-level Barolo! There is incredible density and power in the glass as waves of fruit caress the palate with tons of richness. Sweet menthol, flowers and spices add complexity to the long, stupendous finish. In 2006 the Barolo Castiglione is a blend of fruit from Bricco Fiasco (except for the lower part of that plot), Ravera, Fossati and Bricco Ravera. All of the estate’s Barolo-designated vineyards that weren’t bottled separately were used for that vintage’s Perbacco, a selection process I wrote about extensively in my recent profile on Vietti on www.erobertparker.com. The Barolo Castiglione is usually approachable pretty much upon release, but in 2006 the wine has so much fatness it will probably benefit from a few years in bottle. Barolo is never inexpensive, but the Castiglione is as good a wine as readers will find for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026. I sampled a mind-boggling array of outstanding – and often profound – wines in my marathon tasting session with proprietor and winemaker Luca Currado. The 2006 Barolos are nothing short of spectacular and the 2007s may be even better! Readers can check out notes on those wines in my recent feature on the estate posted on www.erobertparker.com. I should note that Vietti plans to release a 2006 Barolo Riserva Villero, but that wine is years from seeing the light of day. The Barolos are vinified in stainless steel, then racked into French oak for the malolactic fermentation, where the wines remain for a few months. The majority of aging takes place in large, neutral casks. Over the last few years, the use of French oak has become more measured and the Barolos are now among the elite wines of the region in virtually every vintage. In short, there seems to be no end to this estate’s ambition. Frankly, I wish there were more wineries setting their sights on this level of quality. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

A rich, round version, showing black cherry and plum notes up front, backed by dense tannins. Bright and linear in profile, with briar and eucalyptus accents playing out on the finish. Best from 2014 through 2033. 3,500 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add