Deep, full red. Great subtly sweet aromas of redcurrant, plum, spice cake, minerals, dried fruits and marzipan; a wine of compelling perfume. Extremely tightly wound and vigorous, with great sappy verve and powerful framing acidity. Fruit flavors are lifted by an exotic suggestion of orange peel. Very youthful and long, finishing with great thrust and buns of steel. A tightly coiled wine with a long future, perfectly representative of this great vintage. "This will last 30 years without any problem," promises Aldo.

Very perfumed, with rose and crushed berries. Full-bodied, with concentrated fruit and hints of sultana. A stylish, wild wine, with loads of character.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Best after 2007. 770 cases made. (James Suckling)

Smells much riper than the 1995 and more intense. Hint of chestnuts on the nose. Round and quite fruity with bonfire aromas and quite a bit of acidity. Very fresh and delicate. Looks bluer than the 1995. ‘We don’t love 1995 as much as 2001 because it was difficult in Monforte d’Alba. Lots of acid.’ (JR)