2021 Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

A traditional vintage delivering fresh fruits and beautiful aromas, with great structure and complexity, intense color and a balanced acidity, already approachable with its gentle tanninsall the classic components of the great vintages of Barolo.

Blend: 100% Nebbiolo

TASTING NOTES:

This is very powerful and structured, with aromas of black truffles, graphite and hints of dried thyme and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied and chewy yet polished. Hints of terra cotta and dark fruit. The finish goes on and on.

– James Suckling, 96 pts.

The Pio Cesare 2021 Barolo draws fruit from various sites, and like the Barbaresco, you get an excellent portrait of the vintage with balanced acidity, firm tannins and bright primary fruit. There is energy and vitality in this pretty Barolo with dried cherry, iris and subtle dustings of iron ore or rust.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94 pts.

Displaying a deeper red color with more pigment, the 2021 Barolo Pio is more layered, savory, and noble in its feel all around and opens to notes of fresh cherries, licorice, lifted clove spice, and forest herbs. It shows a good deal of intensity on the palate, with firm, structured tannins, and while its medium-bodied, it feels more expansive and has mineral drive. It demands a bit of cellaring but will drink well over the next 15-20 years.

– Jeb Dunnuck, 92 pts.

The cherry and raspberry fruit is enhanced by rose and mineral flavors in this red, along with a hint of eucalyptus. Sleek and elegant yet also solidly structured, leaving a dusting of tannins on the finish.

– Wine Spectator, 92 pts.