Pio Cesare 'Ornato' Barolo 2019

Pio Cesare 'Ornato' Barolo 2019 is a prestigious red from one of Serralunga d'Alba's most emblematic plots. This vintage is recognised for its powerful structure, concentrated ripe fruit and excellent ageing potential.

The Wine Advocate
RP 95+

Monica Larner:

The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato sources its grapes from one of the best-known MGA sites in Serralunga d'Alba. This wine's character always favours structure and power, and those qualities are especially evident in a vintage like 2019, which delivers more concentrated fruit from the start. Ornato is steeped in dark-fruit ‘nuances’, contrasted with savoury tones of spice, tar and smoke. It finishes with fine-textured tannins. Production is 13,029 bottles, 600 magnums and other large formats.

Published: 24 August 2023.

James Suckling: Praised the complex aromas of oyster shell, terracotta and tar, mentioning a perfect balance between "muscle" and harmony.

Wine Enthusiast: Jeff Porter (Wine Enthusiast) says the wine combines "grace and structure in pure class", suggesting the parts will integrate perfectly with time (drink 2028–2045).

Critic Bruce Sanderson of Wine Spectator, described the wine as an "inviting red" and highlighted the following in his review (published October 2023):

Aromatic Profile and Flavour: Notes of ripe plums, cherries, earth, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco.

Structure: A flavourful, dense and slightly chewy version on the finish, where earthy and herbal elements echo.

Balance: The critic says all the components are there, but the wine shows a more austere, youthful side at this stage.