Elio Altare Elio Altare Barolo 2021 750ml

Layered and inviting aromatics lift from the 2017 Barolo, including kirsch, incense, and dried roses. The palate is highly refined yet also has generous fruit with a beautiful arch noted by cherry lozenge, dried apricot, and orange blossom. This is a remarkable and graceful wine from Elio Altare. Drink 2022–2042. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Representing a blend of fruit from Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, La Morra and Novello, the Elio Altare 2017 Barolo sets off the vintage on the right foot. Of course, 2017 delivered all kinds of extreme weather, from frost to dry heat, but this battle-ready Barolo emerges unscathed. Save for the high 15% alcohol content, this wine avoids the classic trappings of a hot vintage. The fruit is not dried out, nor is it jammy. Indeed, this wine shows better balance than most, with a lovely freshness to all that dark and luscious fruit.

The 2017 Barolo is absolutely impeccable and shows why Altare remains at the top of the pack. Silky, aromatic and alluring, the 2017 is exquisitely beautiful. It is a bit lighter in body than usual, but that is very much in keeping with the style of the year. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries and rose petal grace the silky finish. The straight Barolo isa blend of sites in La Morra, Castiglione Falletto and Novello. (Antonio Galloni)

The 2019 Barolo is bright and effusive in the glass, with lovely aromatic presence and fine balance. Aromatic and broad, with gorgeous balance, the 2019 will be easy to drink and enjoy young. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon, pomegranate, cedar and sweet floral top notes. This is such a classy Barolo from Altare. (Antonio Galloni)

The Elio Altare 2021 Barolo offers a classical interpretation of the grape done in the house style that prizes extraction, intensity and sweet fruitiness. You get all of that here, exceptionally well presented in this epic vintage. Fruit is blended from Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, La Morra and Novello, and the wine sees 24 months in used barrique. Production is 11,000 bottles.

Shows density and richness, with its tactile texture enveloping flavors of black cherry, earth, tar and mineral. Tightens up on the finish yet remains balanced. Be patient. Best from 2029 through 2043. 833 cases made, 275 cases imported.

This red flashes a robust profile, offering dense tannins and texture, all framing cherry, plum, iron, tobacco and spice notes. Winds down gracefully on the finish, with ample fruit flavors to match its structure. Best from 2024 through 2038. 833 cases made, 250 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)

An elegant, focused red, evoking cherry, strawberry, rose hip and earth flavors. Balanced in a linear profile, finishing crisply while echoing red fruit and floral notes. Best from 2025 through 2042. 833 cases made, 250 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)