The 2013 Barolo Castelletto is another superb wine from Manzone. Beams of Castelletto tannin and bright acidity give the wine its super-distinctive feel. A wine of focus and drive, the Castelletto will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, vibrant Barolos. This is another superb showing from Manzone.

The 2013 Barolo Castelletto offers a frank and accessible personality that opens this wine up to near and medium-term drinking. It offers vibrant, youthful Barolo aromas of dark fruit, tar, licorice and white truffle, and although those elements will become finer and more elegant with time, they already taste great now. This is a bright and beautifully intense wine that offers a friendly and disarming approach. Some 6,000 bottles were made.

Monforte d’Alba. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Herbal nose that at the same time is a little singed and with sweet fruit underneath. Hints of tobacco leaf and smoke. Round fruit palate that is not overtly complex (yet), but easy going enough to approach now. Solid. (WS)