Barolo, Bartolo Mascarello 2021

This wine was bottled in the fall of 2024 and will hit the market in September 2025. The Bartolo Mascarello 2021 Barolo sees the same blend of five vineyards as the 2020 vintage, but this edition shines with brighter clarity and focus thanks to the excellent growing conditions of the growing season. The 2021 is beautifully lifted and vertical; however, it reveals growing complexity even at this nascent stage. Winemaking counted a long and careful 48 days of submerged cap, marking a traditional fermentation. The summer season was not too hot, but September saw above average temperatures for easy ripening. There was adequate water and the grapes showed no signs of stress or suffering, Maria Teresa Mascarello tells me. The wine is classic, crisp and linear with present tannins and a very long mouthfeel that continues with freshness and energy. It is terrific now, and we can expect more to come from this epic bottle. 2027-2055.

The 2021 Barolo from Cantina Bartolo Mascarello is stunning, starting with its beguiling aromas of red forest berry, rose, underbrush and spice. The linear, vibrant palate is extremely elegant delivering red cherry, strawberry, blood orange and licorice alongside right acidity and taut, refined tannins. It's still young so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2031–2042.