Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2017

Professional Ratings

• 98 James Suckling
  Extremely perfumed with dark berries, cherries, strawberries and crushed stones. Full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins that are muscular. Fantastic structure to this young Barolo, as well as great length. It grows on the palate with ease. Truly impressive. Incredible. Try after 2025.
• 96 Wine Enthusiast
  Rose, wild herb, forest floor and woodland berry aromas come to the forefront along with a warm spice accent. Structured and elegant, the full-bodied palate features raspberry compote, vanilla, star anise and crushed mint framed in tightly-knit, refined tannins. An espresso note lingers on the close. Drink 2022–2032.
• 95 Decanter
  The very first single-vineyard Barolo produced by the family, first made in 1985, this is vinified in stainless steel tanks with moderate temperature control. It then undergoes maceration for 30 days and ageing in botti for about 30 months, with a small portion of the wine in French oak barriques for the first 12 months. Dark ruby in colour, it has aromas of raspberry, rose, violet, cherry, slatey minerality and graphite. The attack is subtle, the tannins polished, with an extracted mid-palate. Assertive acidity and an austere finish are balanced by fragrant cherry fruit and a liquorice aftertaste.
• 94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  With fruit from the village of Serralunga d'Alba, the Pio Cesare 2017 Barolo Ornato exhibits a richer textural style and more concentrated fruit flavors compared to all the other Nebbiolo-based wines in this portfolio. Dark cassis and blackberry segue to black licorice and tarry smoke. Those signature hints of rusty nail, earth and candied orange peel that are so specific to this village are also quite evident. The wine shows structure and depth that will help it withstand extra cellar aging.
• 93 Wine Spectator

  Though underlined by firm, dusty tannins, this red displays ripe cherry, plum, green tea and earth flavors. Fresh and full of energy on the lingering finish.

• 93 Wine & Spirits

  Ornato was the first single-cru wine made by the Boffa family in 1985. It shows good power and freshness in this vintage, its vibrant red- and black-cherry flavors brightened by notes of orange peel and menthol. Smooth and polished, with hints of vanilla and spice from a touch of French oak, it will be even better in five years when the flavors have knit together.