2012 Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG, Piedmont

Pio Cesare's 2012 Barolo is a tremendous wine considering the vintage and its production of more than 80,000 bottles. Approximately 50% of the fruit comes from Serralunga, which gives the Barolo its power and muscle, but in 2012, the lighter style of the vintage yielded a wine that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. For its combination of quality, availability and price, Pio Cesare's straight Barolo is pretty hard to top.

91 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com Drink 2017-2027

This is a young Barolo that builds on the palate with super silky tannins and fantastic pure and delicious fruit. Hints of hazelnut, plum and dark berry character. Full and polished tannins. Better in 2019 but so delicious now.

95 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com