2015 pio cesare, barolo, ornato

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Bottle size (ML)

Why We're Buying

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato was the first single-vineyard Barolo from the Pio family. The winemaking legends released the first vintage in 1985 to international acclaim. Concentrated, powerful, and well-structured, this 100 nebbiolo can age for more than two decades. As Jeb Dunnuck described the 2015 vintage, “it’s beautifully done and well worth seeking out.”

Critics Scores

Wine Enthusiast

Balsamic aromas of eucalyptus mingle with enticing scents of wild berry, rose, espresso and tobacco. On the full-bodied, elegant palate, smooth, fine-grained tannins lithely support Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and exotic spice while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. One of the best showings I’ve had of Ornato so far. Drink 2021–2030.

Jeb Dunnuck

Gorgeous all the way, the 2015 Barolo Ornato is flawlessly balanced and elegant, with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of caramelized cherries, toasted spices, dried flowers, and licorice. As with many 2015s, it has lots of upfront appeal with its sweet Nebbiolo fruit, but this has the depth, balance, and length to evolve for 20-25 years or more. It’s beautifully done and well worth seeking out.

Wine Spectator

Piercing scents of cherry, currant, eucalyptus and licorice signal this tightly wound red. Fluid, with a supple texture that dissolves into a matrix of dense tannins. The ample sweet fruit lingers nicely. Best from 2022 through 2040.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

With powerful fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, the 2015 Barolo Ornato is a plush and dense red wine with a contemporary feel that prizes richness and overall accessibility. There is a level of softness here that permeates the entire wine and adds to the already-intense aromas of red fruit, blackberry, spice, tar, asphalt and candied orange peel. This structured Barolo is best tasted with a platter of Alpine cheeses and jellied honey.