The 2017 Barolo Monprivato is elegant, classy and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, spice and blood orange lend and exotic flair to this silky, mid-weight Barolo. The 2017 loses some of its persistence with air, but it offers tons of immediacy and sheer allure. Best of all, the 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is one of the better recent vintages of Monprivato the Mascarello family has released.

Though firm, this has a beam of cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Linear, elegant and balanced, but will need more time to fully open and reveal all the facets. Fine ripeness, freshness and vibrant fruit on the long finish. Best from 2025 through 2043. 1,659 cases made. — BS

Castiglione Falletto. Bottled three months ago! Lustrous mid ruby. Concentrated sour cherry with savoury, minerally notes. This opens up beautifully on the nose. Great concentration but also purity. Elegant palate weight and truly long, finely ground tannins that go on forever, but never dominate the fruit while the ripe supple acidity builds a real unity. (WS)