Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2016

A very classical style Barbaresco: elegance and velvety, with ripe and spicy fruit. Strong tannins, but elegant. Good structure and concentration. Very long life. Barbaresco is a great wine—it should not be described as a “basic” or “regular” Barbaresco, simply because it does not have any additional indication on the label.

95 Points - James Suckling    A dense and layered red with plums, dried orange and lemon peel and a long and flavorful finish. Beautiful. Such impressive layers and a fantastic finish. Very exciting. Love the length. Available in February 2019. Drink in 2020, but already beautiful.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck    The 2016 Barbaresco was sourced from parcels across the Barbaresco region and was aged for 30 months in a combination of French botti and barriques. It has aromatics of celery root, dried cherry, star anise, and tar. The palate is lifted with pomegranate seed, dried roses, clove, and orange pith. There are dusty tannins that build on the finish and fresh acidity. Enjoy over 2022-2042.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    The Pio Cesare 2016 Barbaresco offers a subtle approach to Nebbiolo with a silky and graceful presence. The bouquet shows a nice and fanciful embroidery of wild berries, blue flowers and white licorice. Yes, these are the standard Nebbiolo traits, and this classic wine strives to deliver nothing more and nothing less than varietal purity. Any signs of the oak have been neatly folded into the delicate fiber of this Barbaresco. The wine represents a blend of fruit from Cascina Il Bricco, San Stefanetto, Bongiovanni and Rocche di Massalupo.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast    Forest floor, dark-skinned berry, pipe tobacco and French oak aromas shape the nose. On the linear, full-bodied palate, tight, fine-grained tannins support dried cherry, blood orange, licorice, vanilla and a drop of espresso. It’s balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink through 2036.

92 Points - Wilfred Wong of Wine    The 2016 Pio Cesare is bright, attractive, and lasting. This wine offers dried earth and tart red fruit aromas and flavors. Pair it with grilled lamb.