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Ratings & Reviews
Arneis Langhe DOC
Arneis Langhe DOC 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Barbaresco DOCG
Barbaresco DOCG 2008
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
90-92 Points "Moderately saturated medium red. Perfumed, high-pitched aromas and flavors of raspberry, redcurrant, rose petal, tobacco, orange peel and exotic spices. Juicy, dense and suave, with a light touch thanks to superb inner-mouth energy. Finishes firmly tannic, long and perfumed, with the structure for a slow evolution in bottle."
Barbaresco DOCG 2007
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 31, 2011
92 Points "This is racy and detailed, showing raspberry, cherry, floral and oak spice aromas and flavors. Taut and well-structured, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit, spice and mineral."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
90 Points "Ambitiously oaked, this wine emphasizes dark coffee and bitter chocolate scents in its tannins. The fruit itself has more than enough stamina to stand up to the toastiness of the oak: It takes a straight path of red cherry that rounds out the structure, finishing clean and dry. Recommended for the cellar, where it will gain complexity. Or, if you like the forward character of new oak, drink this now with a steak."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
90 Points "Good full red. Aromas of dried flowers and menthol dominated by coffee oak; raspberry and currant slowly emerged with air. Sweet, lush and broad, with very good freshness of fruit. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and good subtle length. 'Two thousand seven is a great, forward, rich, plummy vintage, but not '97-like,' notes Pio Boffa. 'You can drink the wines now with food but they will age.'"
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2011
92 Points "The 2007 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, inviting wine graced with exquisite dark fruit and a supple personality. Fine tannins frame the fruit through to the finish. The Barbaresco is already quite open and accessible, but the tannins remain a touch firm and there is enough freshness in the glass to suggest the wine will be even better in another year or two. This is a very typical 2007."
Barbaresco DOCG 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2010
91 Points "The 2006 Barbaresco is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Red berries, sweet spices and crushed flowers are some of the nuances that emerge from this plump, juicy Barbaresco. With a little air, this is already drinking quite nicely. Sweet notes from new oak linger on the pretty finish."
Barbaresco DOCG 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Barbaresco DOCG 2004 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2008
92 points "The 2004 Barbaresco is a beautiful wine endowed with expressive aromatics and an attractive core of ripe red fruit. Subtle notes of spices, smoke, tar and licorice add complexity. The wine possesses outstanding length and refined tannins that will only become more elegant with further bottle age. ...Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024."
Barbaresco DOCG 2003 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2007
90 points "The 2003 Barbaresco is sweet and perfumed with pretty notes of smoke, flowers, cinnamon and ripe red fruit. This medium-bodied, focused wine offers outstanding length and remarkable freshness for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018."
Barbaresco DOCG 2001 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - October 31, 2006
90 points "The 2001 Barbaresco normale is a lovely effort that displays a classic, perfumed profile of roses, menthol, tobacco, wet earth and red fruits on a structured frame with excellent length and a nice sense of freshness on the finish. It should be at its best between 2009 and 2016. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016."
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2007
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 31, 2011
93 Points "Smoky and polished, this modern-style Barbaresco boasts cherry, plum, vanilla and bacon fat aromas and flavors, with licorice and tar notes underneath. ... Fine length."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
92+ Points 92(+?) Points - "Deep full red. Much deeper and more brooding on the nose than the classico, showing burnished, slightly medicinal aromas of redcurrant, raspberry and white truffle. Deep, rich and hugely ripe if a bit youthfully imploded, with nicely integrated acidity. At once chewy and fine-grained, and strong on the finish. This wine has a fairly low pH of 3.28, according to Pio Boffa, and should age extremely well."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2011
93 Points "The 2007 Barbaresco Il Bricco is a powerhouse. Layers of black cherries, espresso, mocha and spices emerge from this large-scaled, powerful wine. The oak is beautifully integrated in this vintage, always an excellent sign for how the wine is likely to evolve over the coming years. There is plenty going on in the glass, as this dark, mysterious Barbaresco continues to develop with air. This is another strong showing from Pio Cesare."
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2006
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - April 30, 2011
91 Points "Fragrant, delivering sandalwood, incense and floral aromas as cherry and plum notes emerge on the palate. This is open and lush, despite its dense tannins. Very suave and harmonious, needing time to really come together. Excellent finish."
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - Monica Larner - April 2009
94 points, #65 of To "Il Bricco is a blockbuster wine with extraordinary intensity and impressive concentration. It's a dark, spice-driven wine with oak aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and powdered spice backed by black currants, forest berry, pressed flowers, curry and turmeric. Austere and brooding, it’s the kind of wine you’ll want to pair with a heavy winter dish that can stand up to its thick, luscious mouthfeel."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2008
92 points "It bursts from the glass with tons of fruit and a generous, expansive personality buffered by firm, yet elegant tannins. The wine offers outstanding potential, yet it also requires cellaring before offering its finest drinking. ...The oak is especially well used in the 2004, and this is a very beautiful Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024."
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
91 Points “New oak closes this off with chocolate richness, but it doesn’t hide the powerful minerality and the black plum-skin character of the fruit. Candied rose-petal scents balance the soil-driven qualities of the wine, leaving a sense of harmony. Designed to age 10 years or more.”
The Wine Advocate - October 31, 2006
91 points "The 2001 Barbaresco Il Bricco, from a vineyard in Treiso, is richer and rounder, with sweet notes of vanilla, toasted oak, earthiness and a lovely core of fruit framed by a balsamic note on the finish. It, too, will benefit from a few years of additional cellaring and will mature later than the normale. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021."
Barbera d'Alba DOC
Barbera d'Alba DOC 2009
Barbera d'Alba Fides DOC
Barbera d'Alba Fides DOC 2009
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
92 Points "Good deep red-ruby. Ripe aromas of currant, coffee, mocha, licorice and minerals. Rich and mellow, with dark currant and chocolate flavors complicated by an intriguing yeasty nuance. At once chewy and refined. Finishes with substantial mouthdusting tannins and a touch of anise."
Barbera d'Alba Fides DOC 2007 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2010
91+ Points "The 2007 Barbera d’Alba Fides is one of the best versions of this wine I can remember tasting. It is also unusually closed and tight for the vintage, but over time layers of ripe, perfumed fruit emerge with superb clarity and precision. The Fides reveals gorgeous persistence on the palate and terrific overall balance."
Barbera d'Alba Fides DOC 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2009
89 points "The 2006 Barbera d'Alba Fides is a dark, brooding wine loaded with ripe dark fruit, tar, smoke and French oak. This is an especially dark, sensual Barbera. Sweet, perfumed notes linger on the long finish. The Fides is very strong in 2006."
Barbera d'Alba Fides DOC 2005 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2008
90 points "The 2005 Barbera d'Alba Fides is a soft-textured, caressing Barbera with beautiful aromatics that meld into a palate of ripe red cherries, spices and flowers. This medium- bodied, supple Barbera offers notable harmony. It should continue to drink well for several years. ...Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012."
Barbera d'Alba Fides DOC 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera d’Alba DOC 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Barolo DOCG
Barolo DOCG 2008
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
90-92 Points "Moderately saturated medium red. Red cherry, marzipan, minerals and underbrush on the nose; perfumed... Finishes with dusty, serious tannins, a savory chewy quality, and lingering notes of red cherry and camphor. Like the Barbaresco, this displays the energy of the vintage's better examples."
Barolo DOCG 2007
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
90 Points Best Buy "Spicy and bright with red fruit flavor, this is underlined by nebbiolo's sneaky tannins. They come on with an iron grip, then open to scents of roses. This is powered by alcohol, but well within the bounds of balance. Cellar it several years then decant for braised duck."
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - November 15, 2011
90 Points "This round red is full of sweet cherry and plum flavors, with hints of licorice and spices. The richness is offset by dense tannins..."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
91+ Points 91(+?) Points - "Good deep red. Very closed but pure nose offers currant, marzipan, mocha and a whiff of truffle. Quite sweet on the front half and almost surprisingly round and opulent. Then turns more dry and classic toward the back, finishing with serious, dusty, fine-grained tannins."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2011
93 Points "The 2007 Barolo is inviting, sweet and open, yet has plenty of underlying tannins to provide support. It shows terrific balance in a style that reconciles the traditionalist leanings of this bottling with the ripe quality of the year. Sweet hints of tobacco, spices, leather and herbs add complexity on the textured yet grippy finish. Pio Cesare’s straight Barolo doesn’t seem to get the attention or spotlight it deserves, but it has truly been one of Piedmont’s under the radar jewels for some time."
Wine Enthusiast - Monica Larner - September 2011
95 Points Cellar Selection "Pio Cesare and the 2007 vintage marry beautifully to produce a layered, opulent, textured, rich wine that is bursting with zesty red fruit, sassy spice, leather and toasted espresso bean. What really sets this wine apart is the dense smoothness of its texture. Save this bottle in your cellar 10 years or more."
Barolo DOCG 2006
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - March 31, 2011
91 Points "Sweet and spicy, displaying a viscous texture that envelops the cherry, menthol and allspice notes. Firm, upright tannins on the finish keep this honest, and the spice lingers, along with notes of mineral."
Los Angeles Times - S. Irene Virbilia - February 03, 2011
Wine of the Week "It's a fine example of classic Barolo and at a very good price for the quality. Fresh and round, it has a chiseled structure and wonderful balance. No need to wait on this one unless you want to: It's drinking beautifully now, superb with a roast duck or brasato (beef braised in red wine)."
Barolo DOCG 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2010
94 Points "The 2006 Barolo offers up a super-classic profile of tar, roses, raspberries and licorice, all wrapped around a firm core of tannins. Fresh and vibrant throughout, the Barolo impresses for its superb balance and poise. ... This is a magnificent, impeccable Barolo from Pio Cesare, but it will be even better in a few years."
Decanter - Tom Maresca - August 01, 2010
4 Stars "Slightly closed, but a large-scale wine with tons of Nebbiolo character. Give it time."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 01, 2009
91-93 points "Good deep red. Sweet but lower-toned aromas of mocha and nuts. Powerful, broad and rich, with a plush texture to the flavors of plum, coffee and mocha. There's something distinctly old school about this wine and yet there's a pliancy to the middle palate. Finishes with suave, building tannins that reach the front teeth."
Barolo DOCG 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Barolo DOCG 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - Monica Larner - April 2009
93 Points "Here’s a beautifully crafted, oak-driven wine that needs at least four or five more years of cellar aging before it reaches true harmony and balance. The wine’s aromas are focused on Indian spice, vanilla, toasted nut and plush blackberry. It tastes bright and fresh but has the natural complexity to promise great things to come."
Wine Spectator Online - November 12, 2008
#6 of Top 100 Wines "This big, juicy, chewy wine is one of Piedmont's most reliable and widely available quality blended Barolos. Pio Boffa represents the fourth generation to run this estate, located in the heart of Barolo's capital of Alba. He sources Nebbiolo grapes from the winery's own vineyards in the Serralunga d'Alba commune and supplements them with grapes from trusted suppliers in the region."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2008
93 points "The estate's 2004 Barolo is very elegant in this vintage. Although the wine is firm and quite primary, the tannins are sweet, silky and refined. Today the wine reveals just a glimpse of its potential but it should develop into a gem with time. While most of the attention at Pio Cesare goes to the Barolo Ornato, this is the hidden beauty in this lineup. ...Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - September 30, 2008
94 points, Highly Re "Extremely attractive aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom and mahogany. Full-bodied, with lovely fruit, soft tannins and a long finish. Chewy, yet balanced and pretty. Builds on the palate. A big and juicy red. Best after 2010."
Barolo DOCG 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - October 15, 2007
92 Points "Has fabulous blackberry and mineral, with hints of toasty oak. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Very concentrated, yet racy and structured...Gorgeous. Best after 2009."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2007
91 points "The 2003 Barolo is a terrific effort and once again demonstrates the advantage of blending fruit from various sources, especially in challenging vintages. Initially reticent, the wine gradually opens to reveal gorgeous notes of smoke, tar, roses and scorched earth on a linear, classically-built frame. This pure, sweet Barolo offers outstanding balance, well-integrated tannins and an engaging personality....Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023."
Barolo DOCG 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Barolo DOCG 2001 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 31, 2006
90 points "Made from a blend of parcels in various parts of the zone, the house's 2001 Barolo normale offers a classic, somewhat austere profile. It opens with a pretty, balsamic nose that is followed by sweet dark fruit and tar flavors that develop in the glass with notable length, persistence and freshness on the finish. It will drink well to at least age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021."
Barolo DOCG 2000
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - June 30, 2011
91 Points "The 2000 Barolo has a very classic feel to it. Hints of rose petal, spices, licorice, and tobacco lead to red cherries and flowers in this delicate, subtle wine. The fruit unfolds beautifully through the mid-palate and finish. This is an impressive, totally delicious Barolo."
Barolo DOCG 1997 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator online - James Suckling - May 23, 2007
95 Points, non-blind
"This was the magazine’s No. 7 wine in the Top 100 in 2001. And it is holding on beautifully. It shows aromas of tar and black berries with an underlying minerally character. It’s full bodied, with ultra-fine tannins and a long finish. Gorgeous. And they made over 6,000 cases of this! Drink now or hold.
The interesting thing is that Pio Boffa thinks that the 2000, 1997 and 1978 all have a lot in common and that they were all from very hot years. I think his 1997 will age as well, if not better, than the 1978 and the 2000 might be better than the two."
Barolo Ornato DOCG
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2007
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 15, 2011
93 Points "This modern-style red features aromas and flavors of sweet vanilla, coconut, blackberry and tar."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
94 Points "Quite closed on the nose, with the oak element in the foreground. Then hugely rich and opulent in the mouth, with an utterly smooth texture that goes beyond the other 2007s here. The concentration of plummy red fruit is accentuated by the wine's energy. Explosively long finish saturates the entire mouth with rich tannins."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2011
95 Points "The 2007 Barolo Ornato is striking. It shows marvelous delineation in it aromatics, tremendous breadth on the palate and fabulous balance. As always, the Ornato is a plush Barolo, with tons of Serralunga character and muscle. Rose petals, crushed flowers and spices add complexity to the dark fruit, while the French oak is very well-integrated. This is one of the most polished wines I have ever tasted from Pio Cesare."
Wine Enthusiast - Monica Larner - September 2011
94 Points Cellar Selection "Ornato is an opulent, modern expression of Barolo with lush oak tones that will require at least 10 more years to find perfect harmony. The 2007 vintage offers extra pulp and chewy cherry concentration that this wine upholds very successfully. You’ll love the plumpness and overall chocolaty richness available here."
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - May 14, 2011
97 Points "Dark color with lovely ruby red edge. What a nose of blackberries, blueberries and hazelnuts! Full bodied, with amazing tannins that are velvety and gorgeous. Oranges and plums in the aftertaste. This is the best Ornato ever? This is the new 1958."
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2006
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2010
94 Points "The estate’s 2006 Barolo Ornato expresses the power and masculinity of Serralunga in a rich, opulent style packed with dark fruit. The Ornato shows marvelous concentration and vibrancy, with added layers of dimension from the French oak. It is a fascinating wine to contrast with the straight Barolo, as each of these 2006s reveals a different shade of nuance. There is a marvelous intensity to the fruit, along with substantial grip on the finish."
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2005 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2009
92 points "The 2005 Barolo Ornato shows outstanding depth and complexity in its note of licorice, iron, plums, prunes, French oak and minerals. ...[I]s lighter in body than has been the case in the past vintages, which renders the wine quite classic in feel."
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Robb Report - Anthony Dias Blue - June 01, 2009
A Best of the Best 2 "Ripe, lush, beefy, and tangy with acidity and depth of flavor, Pio Cesare 2004 Barolo Ornato goes long and deep on the palate, revealing spiced plum and ripe berry fruit. Elegant and amazing."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2008
94 points "The 2004 Barolo Ornato is the most distinguished Ornato yet. This Barolo remains very primary and backward, yet there is a haunting inner perfume that occasionally makes an appearance here and that augurs very well for the wine’s future. The tannins are fine but also beautifully balanced by the wine's massive fruit. ...Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034."
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - October 15, 2007
94 Points "Very beautiful aromas of berry, tar and rose follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish of berry and vanilla. Very, very impressive. Polished and structured. Best after 2010."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 2007
92 points "The 2003 Barolo Ornato, from a vineyard in Serralunga, is a big, brooding wine loaded with scorched earth, smoke, dark fruit and plenty of toasted oak. Made in full-bodied, super-ripe style, the wine possesses outstanding depth with a note of alcoholic warmth on the finish....[T]his is a very strong effort from Pio Cesare. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023."
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2001 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - October 31, 2006
91 Points "The 2001 Barolo Ornato is this estates more modern-styled Barolo. It is a backward effort, packed with dark fruit, scorched earth, toasted oak and tar flavors that are typical of Serralunga, in a potent style, with excellent persistence on the palate and an attractive finish. It will drink well to age 20, and likely beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021."
Wine Enthusiast - J.C. - March 2006
90 Points "Creamy textured, supple Barolo with strong oak overtones, it boasts aromas of coffee and vanilla layered over black cherries. It's nicely balanced in terms of alcohol and acid, with a creamy mouthfeel and dried-spice notes on the finish."
Chardonnay L’Altro DOC
Chardonnay L’Altro DOC 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Chardonnay Piodilei DOC
Chardonnay Piodilei DOC 2010
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
89+ Points 89(+?) Points - "Bright medium yellow with a greenish tinge. Cooler aromas of lime ice, white flowers and fresh herbs. Dense, even glyceral, in the mouth, but with juicy lemony acidity giving the wine a bracing, youthfully disjointed character."
Chardonnay Piodilei DOC 2009
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
88 Points "Bright medium yellow with a gold tinge. Exotic nectarine, fresh apricot and mango on the very ripe nose, with notes of honey, nuts and marzipan emerging with air. Rich and high in alcohol, but at the same time quite dry and savory, with plenty of fruit. Finishes with a floral element."
Chardonnay Piodilei DOC 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Cortese di Gavi DOCG
Cortese di Gavi DOCG 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Los Angeles Times - Jean T. Barrett - September 03, 2008
"Piedmont produces some of Italy's most distinguished and aromatic white wines, and late summer is the ideal season to savor the 2007 vintage of Pio Cesare's Cortese di Gavi DOCG, an appley, minerally white from the hills of Gavi. Made 100% from the Cortese grape, an indigenous varietal, this pale golden wine offers an expansive lime-scented bouquet and round, citrusy flavors along with a steely acidic backbone that pairs well with seafood (think crostini with tuna and caper mayonnaise)."
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC 2010
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
88 Points "Good bright, dark red-ruby. Pure, floral aromas of black cherry, plum and redcurrant, complicated by mint and leather. A ripe, savory midweight with a supple middle and good energy. Nicely smaller-scaled stainless steel dolcetto, finishing with good length and an intriguing saline quality."
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
89 Points “A tannic dolcetto, this 2004 has a hard mineral edge to its black fruit, with the taste of a porcini charred on the grill. The earthy character offers potential to develop with a year or two of age. Serve it with grilled game birds.”
The Washington Post - Ben Giliberti - August 30, 2006
"Dolcetto, sometimes described as Italy's answer to Beaujolais, is a surprisingly complex wine that seems to be getting better every year... It offers good structure and notable acidity on the finish, and lots of fleshy fruit to complement barbecued meats and poultry. At prices that average between $15 and $20, it's an excellent value."
Nebbiolo Langhe DOC
Nebbiolo Langhe DOC 2008
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
89 Points "Medium red with a hint of amber. Aromas of redcurrant, dried flowers, menthol and marzipan; smells like a small-scaled Barolo. Saline and dry, with good definition and cut to the red berry, earth and tobacco flavors. Good fresh wine with a firm tannic backbone."
Oltre Langhe DOC
Oltre Langhe DOC 2008
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2011
88 Points "Good deep, bright red. Currant, black raspberry and dark chocolate aromas accented by tobacco and graphite; a bit international in style. Then supple and savory in the mouth, showing sound acidity and the cut of the year. Finishes with fairly light tannins, a slight bitter note from the oak and nice grip."