Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2019

95 points James Suckling: "This is a very typical Barbaresco, with a solid core of fruit. Lots of strawberries, cedar and chewy tannins. Full and structured. Excellent length, with the tannins kicking in at the end. This needs at least four or five years of bottle age. Try after 2027. (8/16/22)"

95 points Raffaele Vecchione (WinesCritic.com): "Raspberries, currants, red plums, strawberries, pieces of citron, pink grapefruit, pomegranate, and bay leaves. In the background, hints of toasted hazelnuts and green tea leaves describe the secondary scene. Medium-bodied, perfectly ripe tannins, and a balsamic finish with captivating nuances. Splendid right from the start, it will continue to grow over time. (Dec 2022)"

94 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Aromas of forest floor, woodland berry, sun-warmed hay and new leather make their way to the forefront on Pio Cesare's classic Barbaresco. Elegant, structured and focused, the savory palate doles out licorice, ripe Morello cherry, rosemary and sage framed in taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Drink 2025–2034. Abv: 14.5%. (Apr 2023)"

94 points Owen Bargreen: "The 2019 Barbaresco by Pio Cesare offers tart cranberry notes alongside salty soils, dusty minerals and shades of orange blossom on the nose. The palate is very soft and refined with silky tannins that frame a core of pure red fruits, with bergamot and red rose water. This is really good right now but consider giving it an hour in the decanter before consuming. Drink: 2023-2038. (Mar 2023)"

93 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$85 list] A graceful, well-toned red, with a solid construction supporting aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, rose and graphite. Reveals flashes of tar and white pepper as this winds down on the resonant finish. Best from 2025 through 2043. (10/31/23)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$85 list] A mixture of red berries, including raspberry and currant, combined with allspice and earth-driven spices. The wine is pretty and lifted, with dark cherry flavors on the palate. Superfine tannins give the wine an elegant structure that highlights the chalky mineral notes, leather and tobacco. Drink now–2040. Alcohol 14.5%. (Dec 2023)"

93 points Falstaff: "Bright ruby red with delicately brightening rim and flint core. Inviting nose, smoky and stony, delicate raspberry and some dried rose petal, black tea. Hearty on the palate, with very grippy, youthful tannin, plus nice salt, always comes back juicy, still a bit young, already drinking well. (10/6/23)"

92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2019 Barbaresco from Pio Cesare is a lovely young wine, reveling in its transparency down to its soils and bursting with pristine red fruit. The complex bouquet wafts from the glass in a blend of cherries, woodsmoke, gamebird, fennel seed, complex soil tones, just a hint of road tar, lovely spice tones and a dollop of cedar. On the palate the wine is pure, transparent and full-bodied, with excellent focus and balance, a fine core of fruit, tangy acids, ripe tannins and a long, complex and very promising finish. This is lovely Barbaresco in the making, but give it a proper sojourn in the cellar to allow its backend tannins to ease off. 2035-2080. (Sep/Oct 2023)"

92 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A pale and youthful ruby, the 2019 Barbaresco Pio is elegant and lifted with fresh raspberry, fennel, dusty earth, and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins, and angular acidity, it has vibrant fruit throughout. with a spine of tension notes of wild strawberry and dried apricot, and savory salinity. Drink: 2025-2040. (5/4/23)"