In the years since the growing season and harvest there have been rumours that 2021 was going to be the next big one for Barolo. A spectacular vintage to rival 2016 and 2010 as a new modern classic.
With the first releases now hitting the market and reviews coming through, we take a look at what the critics are saying about 2021 Barolo and see whether these wines have lived up to our lofty expectations.
Italian wine specialist Kerin O’Keefe is yet to publish her full report but did provide a sneak peek back in October 2021. She was overwhelmingly positive, saying that “top producers produced stunning, age-worthy wines.”
For her, “2021 combines the austerity of 2019 with the elegance of 2016” and “The 2021s also possess refreshingly restrained alcohol levels and great balance even at this early stage.”
Next our was Antonio Galloni. Like O’Keefe, he found a lot to love here, writing, “Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo… Readers will find a bevy of outstanding wines in this report”.
For him, “The 2021s are marked by good color, open aromatics, pliant fruit and finessed, ripe tannins.” and “At the very pinnacle of excellence, the finest 2021s are compelling and profoundly expressive of place”
Next up is The Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. She is unequivocal in her praise, comparing 2021 Barolo with such iconic (and big-selling) past vintages as 2016, 2010 and 2001.
As well as great quality, she notes another compelling reason to be involved in this campaign, what’s coming in the next few years. For her, “The 2021 vintage may represent your last chance to stock your cellars for the next few years. The upcoming 2022, 2023 and 2024 vintages all presented different challenges, and although fruity and immediate, none are likely to live up to the aging potential of 2021.”
Writing for jamessuckling.com, Aldo Fiordelli continues the tune struck up by his fellow critics. For him, this is a vintage of consistent excellence and “The 2021 Barolos are strikingly expressive… These wines showcase the power and aging potential of great reds but without the heavy-handed extractions of years past… While not necessarily ready to drink now, most of the 2021 offerings will shine after just a year or two in the bottle, retaining their remarkable aging potential.”
Clearly, there’s an awful lot here to be excited about and with prices for the vast majority of Barolo representing incredibly good value even from top producers, there will be some sensational buys.
