Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2005 Barolo Riserva Vignolo emerges from the glass with freshly cut flowers, tar, mint, licorice and plums. There is an exotic quality to the fruit I find very appealing, yet this remains a quintessential Castiglione Falletto Barolo built on aromatics, elegant fruit and silky tannins. There is an energy and vibrancy I find highly appealing. The 2005 is a feminine Vignolo, but the wine gains considerable richness as it sits in the glass. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
It’s nice to see Cavallotto finally getting some serious recognition. This small, family-run property has been making stellar wines for years, but for some reason the outside world has only caught on relatively recently." Oct 2011

Winery:  "This harmonious, full-bodied wine has an intense ruby red hue that, with age, changes to a deep garnet. Intense and fruity on the nose, it shows aromas of tobacco and liquorice with undertones of red fruit jam, dry roses, and violets. On the palate it is dry, warm, and supple with sweet and rounded tannins. Overall a well-balanced wine with a long finish."

Wired For Wine: Rummage around in your fantasy box until you find your period Italian costume and that little device which transforms your words into sultry Italian murmurings, and then you will be ready for this unforgettably delicious Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo.  Antonio Galloni had it right when he said it "is a fabulous showing". If you are able to wait a few more years, it will be even better.  Whenever that day comes, let this Barolo Riserva sit while you prepare a Robiolo pizza with portobello mushrooms an a generous sprinkling of white truffle oil. You might wonder, am I in wine pairing heaven (in Italian, of course)?  The intense red fruit, floral layers, licorice, tobacco and velvety tannins in this full-bodied Piedmontese Riserva make it a no-brainer with meats, braised beef especially, game, rich meat pastas, mushrooms and a whole lot more.  Our first choice to go with the rich, full body of this delightful Cavallotto is osso buco with a toasted pignoli gremolata.  For the touch of licorice in the wine, a roasted pork loin with plums poached in red wine and chicken broth, with a pinch of sugar, some shallots, whole star anise and stirred with a cinnamon stick, you'll only have one word: più (more)!  A favorite pasta of ours which we make only in the colder months is tagliatelle with chestnuts, pancetta and sage; devour it with this Vignolo. Make sure you've got enough on hand to refill the glasses to go with a smooth Pecorino Saldo for the last course.  And loosen the corset on that period Italian getup...  Pranzare felice!

Ragoût
Size:  750ml; cork
Varietal:  Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14.5% 
Ageing:  @48 months in Slovenian oak casks; @ 12 months further refining in bottle prior to release
Region:  Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
Limited Production:  @580 dozen made