Pio Cesare Barolo 2019 - 1.5 Litre Bottle

The Nebbiolo for this Barolo was sourced from a number of family-owned vineyards: Ornato in Serralunga d’Alba, Gustava in Grinzane Cavour, Roncaglie at La Morra, and Ravera in Barolo-Novello. The balance of the grapes comes from growers the Cesare family has worked with for years.

The fruit was fermented in stainless steel tanks (up to one month of skin contact), then the wine was transferred to French oak (the majority in 20 to 50 hectolitre casks, the remainder in smaller barriques) where it matured for three years.

Pio Cesare produces classic Barolo at a very high level. That expertise is apparent in the wine’s structure, harmony, gentle tannins, and balanced fruit. It is immediately approachable, but with very long ageing potential.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Pio Cesare does a great job with its classic 2019 Barolo (in production since 1881). The bottom of the front label reads "Barolo Pio" in memory of the legendary Pio Boffa. He was a wine entrepreneur who gained the immediate respect and love of all those who knew him. He passed away tragically during the COVID-19 pandemic just as the vaccines were being rolled out. This is a large production of about 70,000 bottles with fruit sourced from across seven vineyards in five villages. Despite those ambitious numbers, the wine remains strictly focused on bright Nebbiolo fruit with red cassis and aniseed. The finish is smooth with tannins that elegantly dissolve over the palate.

94 Points - James Suckling

Lovely perfumes of flowers, fresh strawberries and raspberries follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Citrus and spice undertones. Finishes long and intense. Tannic finish.

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

A touch more reserved at the moment, the 2019 Barolo reveals notes of pure red fruit, cherry, grenadine, dusty earth, and menthol. It is gripping with structure and rich with tea leaf, cherry, and turned soil.