Crushed flowers, tobacco, mint, licorice and dried cherries lift from the glass in Pira's 2009 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti. Interestingly, within Roagna's range the old vines in Pajè confer power, but here they seem to add finesse. Sweet tobacco, menthol and worn-in leather add nuance on the open, expressive finish. The 2009 Pira Vecchie Viti is a bit more forward than the straight Barolo Pira. It will be interesting to see how both wines age.

A silky, refined wine with meat, cherry and flower character. Medium to full body, fresh acidity, berry flavors and a fresh finish. Very fine. Barrel sample.

Castiglione Falletto. Very pale ruby. Spicy fruit nose with a hint of leather. Gripping ripe fruit palate with bitter grainy tannins. Aromatic and long, but their Barbarescos seem a little finer both on the nose and palate. Drink 2016 – 2028
Walter Speller - Oct 2014

Castiglione Falletto. Very pale ruby. Spicy fruit nose with a hint of leather. Gripping ripe fruit palate with bitter grainy tannins. Aromatic and long, but their Barbarescos seem a little finer both on the nose and palate. (WS)