Gianfranco Alessandria Gianfranco Alessandria Barolo 2021 750ml

The Gianfranco Alessandria 2021 Barolo shows terrific balance with dark fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and cinnamon sweetness from oak aging. The wine matures in 225-liter French barrel, with 20% new wood. From this vantage point, while the wine is so young, you can already see how it will come together with bottle age thanks to silky tannins and crunchy fruit. However, the alcohol content is high at 15%. This is a production of 15,000 bottles plus some magnums.

The 2020 Barolo is a gorgeous, classy wine. Crushed rose petal, red berry fruit, spice, mint and orange peel are all beautifully lifted in this gracious, mid-weight Barolo. Bright Monforte acids lend notable energy and freshness. This elegant, delicate Barolo is superb. The 2020 spent two years in wood, mostly barrique and about 10% in cask. What a joy. (Antonio Galloni)

Pouring a bright red color, the 2021 Barolo is forward on the nose with cedar and sawdust before opening to more pure notes of redcurrants, orange zest, smoky spices, and fresh rosy perfume. The palate is compact and medium-bodied with a taut structure, angular and dusty tannins, and an even spine of acidity, its oakier aromas lasting on the back palate. I think the oak notes will start to integrate with another 6-12 months, and it has the structure to drink well over the next 7-8 years. It has an attractive personality overall.

The 2021 Barolo is a bold, punchy wine. Red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and white pepper give the 2021 a distinctive upper register. Sweet red cherry fruit, chalk and white pepper are all nicely delineated. Bright acids and pointed, vibrant tannins are a touch prominent this year. Floral notes lift the finish.

Heady roses and violets hover above wild berries and plums, as if someone's stirring a copper pot of forest fruit jam spiced with clove and star anise. The wine floods the palate with blackberry and mulberry richness, while aged tea leaves, dried bay, and forest floor whispers emerge through firm tannins that speak of future glory. Drink from 2027.