Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2021

98 points James Suckling: "A juicy and fruity wine with round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Complex aromas of oyster shells, terra cotta and tar. It’s medium- to full-bodied with tension and well-formed muscles, but always in balance and harmony. Very long aftertaste. Clearly a great wine. Drink after 2028. (8/16/24)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The Pio Cesare 2021 Ornato exudes class, starting with its alluring scents of camphor, violet, forest berry and pipe tobacco. Full-bodied, elegantly structured and totally delicious, the palate delivers crushed raspberry, black cherry, licorice and cake spice before a mentholated finish. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide enveloping support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance and lift. Drink 2031–2041. Abv: 14.5%. (Feb 2025)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A jeweled red color, the 2021 Barolo Ornato has an attractive fragrance of incense, ripe cherries, candied orange peel, minty herbs, sappy earth, and crushed violets. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a good deal of structure, with noble Serralunga tannins, as well as a balanced feel and a long, mouthwatering finish. I am coming to find that I really love this wine from Pio Cesare. Drink 2027-2050. (May 2025)"

94 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "The estate’s flagship MGA, Ornato has been produced since 1985, selected from the central part of the amphitheatre. Over the years, I have found the pronounced wood imprint has diminished, however it has not lost the robust, muscular signature of this site. The 2021 is classically austere and will require time to reveal its complexities. For now, it hints at iron, tar, scorched earth and cedar wood. Full but tight and absorbed in its rigid tannins, what gives this promise is the juicy acidity, the occasional flicker of fresh rose, and the overall polished texture. Drinking Window: 2028-2040. (1/6/25)"