2022 Mauro Veglio Castelletto Barolo

An absorbing, contemplative nose of blood oranges, dried herbs and dried flowers. The medium- to full-bodied palate is chewy but solid, showing both power and restraint. Angular tannins complement the fruit profile. Will benefit from time in the bottle. Better from 2029. ~95 James Suckling

Give this wine the time it asks for and it rewards you generously, black plum and violets slowly giving way to darker spices, oolong tea and the smoky resinous pull of palo santo. The palate is rich and chewy, dark fruit and spice building in layers, but it is the turned earth, autumn forest floor and truffle threading through that give this wine its real depth and definition. Drink from 2028 ~95 Wine Enthusiast

The estate’s Castelletto vineyards came into the fold by way of Mauro’s wife Daniela. Four parcels total a respectable 4ha. The soil is very sandy. Together with a southeastern exposure, the site typically yields elegant, vertical wines. A bright spunkiness comes through in the 2022. Top notes of roasted oak and tarragon lead to dark chocolate and cedar. Dark earthy fruit saturates the core and grainy tannins clamp down. Yet this is neither big nor opulent. Instead, it remains crunchy and elastic. Salivating finish. ~94 Decanter

The Mauro Veglio 2022 Barolo Castelletto draws its fruit from Monforte d'Alba, a site known for wines of greater structure, mineral intensity and aging power. Presented in the estate's dark blue label, this wine is a little reduced at first (a common occurrence with wines this young), but a few extra moments in the glass reveal a pretty combination of cassis, iris root and tar. There is more structure and power in this vintage, with firm tannins and a deeper sense of concentration that reflects the south-facing exposure of the cru. Sourced from 30-year-old vines and aged for 24 months in barrique, with 25% new oak, the wine closes with lasting intensity and classical Monforte character. Production is 7,000 bottles. ~94 Wine Advocate

The 2022 Barolo Castelletto offers up crushed flowers, mint, spice and incense. Aromatic and nuanced, the 2022 has a lot to offer. This is a bit light, as all the wines are, and yet the Castelletto impresses with its balance, poise and sneaky energy. ~91 Vinous Media