2012 Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio, Barolo, Monprivato

Intensely fragrant, this offers enticing scents of woodland berry, violet, rose, aromatic herb and new leather. Elegantly structured, the linear palate is all about finesse, delivering red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and licorice framed in firm refined tannins. Drink 2022–2032. Kerin O'Keefe

A mix of chocolate, cherry, earth and tar flavors are allied to a dense structure in this red. Initially tannic, this needs several hours of aeration to reveal its true personality, delivering cherry, leather, licorice and spice flavors that marry harmoniously with the silky texture, with excellent length. Best from 2022 through 2038. 1,450 cases made. (BS)

The 2012 Barolo Monprivato is a polished and bright wine that delivers a profound and beautiful array of delicate aromas. These tiny, petite threads of cherry, wild berry, ash, smoked spice and grilled herb converge with unity to produce the intensity and purpose that ultimately defines this beautiful wine. I tasted from two bottles at the winery. One had been opened a few days prior, and the second one's cork was pulled immediately before I sampled it. This review is based on my impressions from both bottles: The first one sang loud and the second revealed a muted voice. There's no doubting that this wine needs at least ten more years to evolve. Having said that, I don't think 2012 has the extreme depth and focus we've seen from this vineyard in slightly cooler vintages. (Monica Larner)

The 2012 Barolo Monprivato is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Bright red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and sweet, exotic spices all lift from the glass. Silky tannins accompany the finish in an airy, lifted, understated Barolo. As attractive as the 2012 Monprivato is, it also tastes more like a top Langhe Nebbiolo rather than a Barolo from one of the region's undisputed grand cru sites.

So delicate and fresh. A really lively, pure wine, not fighting the vintage. (JR)

Pale rose-garnet. Scented rose and spicy-earth savouriness. A delightful nose that draws you in. Simultaneously ethereal and savoury-spicy. Crisp, elegant and intense palate with firm, chalky tannins that are still quite primary, suggesting this needs more time to reach its peak. Long and perfumed, with just a touch of alcohol at the finish. (TJ)