Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG

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.

2018

Wine Advocate 93: Pio Cesare excels when it comes to the classics, and this wine is one of those. The 2018 Barbaresco (released one year later compared to its peers) delivers some mild candied raspberry ripeness with lilac, tarry smoke, cedarwood and spice. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with softly integrated tannins.

James Suckling 97: Transparency of fruit with strawberry, walnut, hazelnut and stone undertones. It’s full to medium-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that are long and intense. Very nicely polished, yet forceful. A new wine from Pio Cesare. From four vineyards: Ornato, Briccolina, La Serra, Lirano. Made only for this year. Drink in 2024.

Vinous 93: The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba was made to celebrate the house's 140th anniversary. It offers plenty of Serralunga dark fruit and savory intensity, all packed into a super-classic mid-weight frame. I am tempted to see how this ages, as it is beguiling, complex and alluring from the very first taste.

2019

Wine Advocate 93: The words "Barbaresco Pio" appear on the bottom of the label in tribute to the late Pio Boffa. The Pio Cesare 2019 Barbaresco shows a beautiful ruby-tinged appearance that is well suited to the bright aromas of cassis, pomegranate, licorice and grilled herb that lift from the bouquet. This Barbaresco is slender and silky in texture, and it's already drinking nicely right now.

James Suckling 95: This is a very typical Barbaresco, with a solid core of fruit. Lots of strawberries, cedar and chewy tannins. Full and structured. Excellent length, with the tannins kicking in at the end. This needs at least four or five years of bottle age. Try after 2027.