Vietti Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2013

Professional Ratings

• 98 Decanter
  The venerated Rocche di Castiglione MGA is noted for its extremely steep slope, southeastern exposure and pure white limestone soil. Vietti has been bottling it separately since 1961, making it one of Barolo's first true cru offerings. Aged in large Slovenian oak casks, its unadulterated charm and poise is matched by breathtaking power. Reverberating pressed rose petal, strawberry blossom and raspberry move into deeper, darker forest and iodine nuances, wrapped up in a commanding grip.
• 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2013 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione (once simply named Rocche) is a richly endowed expression of Nebbiolo. The wine boasts dense fiber and texture with exquisite aromas of dark fruit and spice. The wine is not obvious in any way, and it offers new sides and aromas each time you return to the glass. Subtle tones of campfire ash, licorice and balsam herb are neatly woven within the broader bouquet. I tasted this wine from two separate bottles and was impressed by the near-term evolution of both. The wine shifted and changed beautifully as it sat in the glass for a mere 15 minutes.
• 96 James Suckling
  Aromas of blueberries, lavender and mint. Full body, a tight center palate and beautiful fruit. A wine that shows density and subtlety. Very tannic and structured. The real deal. Better in 2020.
• 93 Wine Spectator
  A core of cherry is surrounded by beef bouillon, soy and tar notes, with serious tannins to boot. This red tips toward the dry side in the balance, showing a long, compact finish. Best from 2022 through 2040.
• 91 Wine Enthusiast
  Still rather closed, this eventually reveals red berry, menthol espresso and culinary-spice aromas. The tightly wound palate offers sour cherry, sage, white pepper and star anise alongside a backbone of firm close-grained tannins that grip the finish.