Massolino Barolo Parafada 2021

98 points Kerin O'Keefe: "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. Drink 2023–2046. Abv: 14.5%. (Jan 2025)"

97 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink 2026-2047 (Jun 2025)"

97 points & '#48 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2025' Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas (JamesSuckling.com): "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. (1/20/25)"

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "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. (May 2025)"

95 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Massolino’s 1.2ha in Parafada boast the estate’s oldest vines, now upwards of 60 years old. The precipitous, south-facing slope sits on compact, limestone-rich marls. It convenes at the intersection of finesse and power with the former ultimately favoured here. Flecks of rust, rosemary and bay laurel add dimension to the red currant and raspberry canvas. Precisely chiselled tannins are seamlessly woven in. Racy acidity propels minerals to the fore, reaching an intense crescendo with the energetic chalky finish. Drinking window 2027-2039 (Jan 2025)"

95 points Ian D'Agata Wine Review: "Vivid red. This is almost always the sweetest, richest and ripest of Massolino’s Barolos, and it’s no different this year. The 2021 Parafada boasts aromas and flavours of kirsch, pomegranate, watermelon, red cherry, sweet spice and minerals. A really lovely Barolo that is gently pungent, long and precise on the suave finish. Drinking window: 2030-2040. (May 2025)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Barolo Parafada is a gorgeous, super-expressive Serralunga Barolo with beautiful mid-palate depth and fine balance. Translucent, sculpted red-toned fruit, orange peel and chalk take shape in the glass. This opens beautifully through the finish, showing notable textural presence and tons of character. Drink: 2026-2041. (Jan 2025)"