- 100 points -

The Vietti 2016 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a complete wine, offering exact measures of purity, intensity, freshness and structure. This is the 360-degree Barolo from Vietti, with fruit sourced closest to home in Castiglione Falletto. Rocche di Castiglione sees more shade hours, and that becomes an important factor in the hottest vintages and the longest growing seasons. It creates diurnal shifts that positively impact the purity and brilliant focus of the fruit. Of all the comuni of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto produced exceptional results across the board in this classic vintage. Dark fruit, pressed lilac, blood orange, powdered licorice, balsam herb, spice, iron ore and aniseed fit together perfectly like pieces in a puzzle. Once completed, that puzzle offers a dazzling panoramic portrait of this special Barolo territory. A mere 3,394 bottles and 300 magnums were produced.

- 99 points -

The 2016 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is rich, sumptuous and elegant. Light on its feet yet also wonderfully deep and nuanced, the 2016 possesses off-the-charts resonance, energy and aromatic intensity. All the elements come together in a profoundly expressive Barolo endowed with tremendous class and pedigree. Ample, creamy and explosive, this is a wine of textural resonance and pure power.

- 98 points -

Rocche di Castiglione is prized for its pure white, limestone rich soil which gives wines of extraordinary finesse and fragrance. It is epitomised here in Vietti's graceful and refined 2016. It's evocatively scented with wild forest berries, savoury spice and heady, almost truffle-like nuances. The buoyant, vigorous palate is mineral-driven and generous in red currant and raspberry flavours on a silky texture of fine tannins. As immediately captivating as this is, it has the bones for a solid couple of decades.

Drinking Window 2022 - 2040

- 98 points -

There’s clarity and energy to this, offering sweet strawberries and watermelon with fresh-rose and sandalwood undertones. Full-bodied with plenty of tannins, which are ultra-fine and polished for the vintage, giving the overall impression of elegance and finesse. Long. Classy. Try after 2025.

- 97 points -

The purity of the fruit is the highlight of this complex and compelling red, with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors permeating from start to finish, plus notes of iron, tobacco and eucalyptus. The firm structure melds nicely as the finish lingers. Best from 2023 through 2045. 307 cases made, 75 cases imported.

- 96 points -

Aromas of blueberries, sliced strawberries and peaches. Full body and firm, chewy tannins that are polished and velvety in a refined way. Better after 2022.

- 96 points -

Vietti's mighty 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is extremely polished and sharp, showing the smallest details with microscope-like precision in this release of 3,512 bottles. Tart cherry fruit segues to spice, tarry smoke, licorice and a chiseled sense of minerality that adds ample volume and considerable focus. The wine displays alternating moments of dryness, with layers of cherry sweetness, and all this movement adds to the fluid, ever-changing nature of the bouquet. Vintage after vintage, this wine continues to push the boundaries for Barolo made in Castiglione Falletto.

- 96 points -

The 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione shows all the signatures of this site, all turned up to the maximum. I am not sure I have ever tasted a Vietti Castiglione with this much heft. Super-ripe dark red fruit, rose petal, mocha, dried herbs and menthol all build in an ample, resonant Barolo. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017 for the next handful of years, perhaps longer. A whole range of floral and savory notes punctuates the explosive finish.

- 95 points -

A rich, almost opulent style, this Barolo delivers cherry, raspberry, plum and eucalyptus flavors on a base of stiff tannins. Turns vibrant and chewy, with a solid, minerally finish. Best from 2023 through 2042.