"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.
The 2021 Parafada from Massolino captures the essence of the cru and the vintage thanks to its intensity, structure and radiance. It opens with heady scents of crushed rose petal, camphor, new leather and dark spice while the full-bodied palate delivers succulent raspberry, ripe cherry, licorice and tobacco before a long, savory finish. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework while fresh acidity keeps it vibrant. The best Parada I've had in years from this estate, this is a wine I'd love to have in my own cellar.
98 points, Kerin O'Keefe (Jan 2025)
The Massolino 2021 Barolo Parafada is also from Serralunga d'Alba, although this MGA site reveals a different profile based on flowers and dried herbs. The wine has a botanical feel with crushed oregano that frames cassis, wild cherry and plum. There is a ferrous note of rusty nail that is characteristic of this site and adds another level of complexity. This wine is structured, taut and shows incredible tension.
97 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2025)
Rich and laced with strawberry, cherry, raspberry, licorice, tar, menthol and mineral flavors, this Barolo is juicy and bursting with energy. Solidly built yet remains harmonious, its dense tannins tempered by the ripe berry aftertaste. Shows fine complexity and freshness. Best from 2030 through 2050. 410 cases made.
97 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Jan 2026)
This is really perfumed, with violets, bark, attractive blue fruit and a touch of cedar. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with some juicy, pleasant fruit that is dominated by youthful, austere tannins that should resolve with time. This should come together in four to five years.
97 points, Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
A similar red ruby color, the 2021 Barolo Parafada shows off a more contemplative and serious side, opening with aromas of fresh tobacco, ripe cherries, fresh leather, anise, and toasted baking spices. The palate is compact, with a more chiseled structure, featuring ripe tannins that are well-defined, an even spine of acidity, and a good deal of length, along with a more noble feel through the finish. It needs another year or more of cellaring and will keep for two decades. Drink 2027-2047.
96 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2025)
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