Fruit for this wine is sourced from an excellent site in Monforte d’Alba. The Pio Cesare 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Mosconi Fides (with 9,924 bottles and 100 magnums on the market) is dark in color and rich and concentration. The wine offers a soft texture with plenty of dark fruit and blackberry. Those bleed nicely into sweet spice and light toast over a full-bodied finish.

“Pio Cesare does a great job with its classic 2019 Barolo (in production since 1881). The bottom of the front label reads "Barolo Pio" in memory of the legendary Pio Boffa. He was a wine entrepreneur who gained the immediate respect and love of all those who knew him. He passed away tragically during the COVID-19 pandemic just as the vaccines were being rolled out. This is a large production of about 70,000 bottles with fruit sourced from across seven vineyards in five villages. Despite those ambitious numbers, the wine remains strictly focused on bright Nebbiolo fruit with red cassis and aniseed. The finish is smooth with tannins that elegantly dissolve over the palate.”

“This offers vivid red and blue fruit with dried citrus and ground spice undertones. Medium-bodied with firm but crunchy tannins. Dusty texture. Juicy and blue-fruited on the finish. Drink now.”

“Love the aromas of cooked apples with nougat, honeysuckle and hints of wood. Full-bodied and very flavorful with a phenolic tension and focus that runs through the wine. Hints of pie crust and vanilla bean with crushed stone. Drink now or hold.”

“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.”