"Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted.
Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans."
Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another.
This Barolo shows lavender, dried cranberries, licorice and a touch of tile on the nose. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and balanced, with lovely, succulent fruit complemented by incisive acidity. The tannins are fine grained yet chewy, but they gradually resolve toward the bright finish. Better from 2026.
96 points, Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
The 2021 Barolo Cascina Nuova is highly aromatic and expressive of anise, incense, blood orange, and cranberry. The palate is medium-bodied but with a well-defined, even feel as well as ripe tannins and ripe acidity. It offers exceptional aromatics and structure that are emblematic of the vintage, and it should only improve over the next two decades if stored in cool cellars. A mix of the two Nebbiolo clones (60% Lampia and 40% Michet), this was vinified with a long maceration and submerged cap for 40 days, followed by two years in barrels. Drink 2026-2046.
95 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2025)
Supple and detailed, featuring aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, plum, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco. This is all about finesse and balance, with a gentle line of malleable tannins on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2028 through 2046. 835 cases made, 275 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Nov 2025)
This wine sources its fruit from across three hectares on clay limestone soils. The Elvio Cogno 2021 Barolo Cascina Nuova is the most accessible wine in the family's portfolio, and indeed, the intensity threshold is a little lower in this case (especially compared to the Ravera), although you do get plenty of delicate Nebbiolo nuances. The bouquet offers dark fruit, blue flower and spice. This wine ages in large Slavonian oak casks for 24 months, so the primary fruit remains front and center. I suggest another year of bottle age to give the wine time to find better focus. Production is 21,000 bottles.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jan 2025)
Young vines tell beautiful stories when given the chance. This sings with pure energy, bright red fruits and fresh flowers lighting up the glass. The palate brings remarkable clarity, showing how immediacy and depth aren't mutually exclusive. A wine that makes you fall in love with Barolo's youthful charm.
94 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast (Feb 2026)
Twenty-year-old vines are a mix of Lampia and Michet biotypes with 10% Picotener. Valter Fissore says the latter was an experiment, but he finds it gives greener tannins. There is however, no under-ripeness here. In fact, the 2021 Cascina Nuova is perfectly à point. Vivacious fragrances of red currant and pepper introduce a fresh, frisky mouthful of grenadine and rosehip. The tannins are long and seductive with an appetising crispness. Firm and dry on the finish, with a suggestive trace of hazelnut.
94 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Jan 2025)
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