The 2017 Barolo Pio is a very pretty, super-classic Barolo made from vineyards across the entire appellation. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, orange peel and rose petal accents give the 2017 lovely aromatic presence, and yet there is plenty of tannic grip to back it all up. Readers will find a serious entry-level Barolo.

Plenty of blackberry and black cherry on the nose with violet and lavender undertones. Full-bodied with powerful tannins that flow across the palate. Ever enveloping and imposing, yet polished and impressive. Drink after 2024.

This is the wine to buy in commemoration of the 140th anniversary (1881-2021) of the historic house of Pio Cesare. The most traditional and classic of the wines in this important portfolio, the 2017 Barolo is packaged in a retro label that speaks to all the grandeur of this important Italian wine appellation. The wine imparts delicate and fine tones of wild fruit, cassis, tar, smoke and crushed rose. The wine is buttoned up and straitlaced, especially now in its youth. ML

This year's releases are poignant as Pio Boffa recently passed away. This is the estate's classic Barolo, produced with Nebbiolo grapes located in the top plots across different communes since 1881. The wine is floral, focused on violet and rose, with a blood orange touch, yet a darker fruit and chocolatey flavour. Firm, extracted and rugged at present, with a good but austere finish, it will age gracefully. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040
Blind tasted by Aldo Fiordelli (at Alba, Hotel I Castelli, 29 Mar 2021)

This red is marked by cherry, plum, licorice and a hint of tar flavors. Solidly built, this tightens up on the finish yet remains long and harmonious. Best from 2023 through 2036. 5,800 cases made, 2,566 cases imported. — BS

Tasted blind. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Savoury and a little reductive with notes of dried fruit. Ripe fruit with the perfect dose of acidity. Fresher on the palate than on the nose and with bags of grainy tannins. Good length. Satisfying. Drink 2021 - 2028
Walter Speller - July 2021