2019 Pio Cesare, Barolo, Ornato

The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato sources its fruit from one of the best-known MGA sites in Serralunga d'Alba. The character of this wine always prizes structure and power, and these qualities are especially evident in a vintage like 2019 that offers more concentrated fruit to begin with. Ornato is infused with dark berry nuances contrasted against savory tones of spice, tar and smoke. It closes with finely textured tannins. Production is 13,029 bottles, 600 magnums and other large formats.

The 2019 Barolo Ornato is a big, tightly wound Serralunga Barolo that is going to need time to come into its own. Iron, white pepper, mint, dried herbs and orange peel open, but with great reticence. Today, the Ornato is impenetrable. Let's see what happens over time.

Serralunga d’Alba. Mid ruby. Leafy, balsamic cherry fruit on the nose with a hint of morocco leather. Supple, round fruit on the palate, with a hint of gingerbread and compact, long tannins. Solid. (WS)