3 | Wine | Nebbiolo, 86 to 90

"Light aromas of cherry, mint and flowers. Bright, clean and juicy but on the lean side, with a medicinal aspect and slightly drying tannins."

"The 2008 Barolo is a pretty, understated wine laced with dark red fruit, flowers, spices, mint and licorice. The tannins could use another year to soften, but this mid-weight, vinous wine is well suited for drinking over the next few years. If opened today, the wine needs at least 30 minutes of air for the aromatics to find their focus. This is a terrific entry-level Barolo."

"An elegant, perfumed wine. Polished and elegant throughout, the Castelletto reveals attractive inner perfume and lovely red fruit, all framed by silky tannins."