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PREMIUM

Barolo 2021: Vintage report & top wines from ‘a modern benchmark’

Read Michaela Morris' analysis on the ‘charismatic’ 2021 vintage in Barolo, with her top recommendations, which wines to drink now or keep and 160 tasting notes.

The 2021 Barolo vintage has arrived, and it’s making waves. Tastings reveal a vintage of striking character, ripe fruit, and formidable structure, hinting at impressive longevity. But some wines miss the mark, highlighting the vintage’s nuanced complexity.

Certain communes shine, while others deliver mixed results. Discover which regions and specific vineyards are producing the most compelling wines, and which to approach with caution. Is this a vintage for immediate enjoyment, or one to cellar for decades?

This comprehensive report delves into the details, from the unique weather patterns that shaped the vintage to the individual triumphs and challenges faced by producers. Which rising stars and established estates are crafting the most exciting Barolos?

And will 2021 truly stand the test of time, or is the hype premature? Uncover the secrets of this captivating vintage and navigate the world of 2021 Barolo with expert insights.

In this article:

  • Barolo 2021 vintage rating
  • Wine of the vintage
  • Barolo 2021: Commune by commune
  • Assessing Barolo 2021
  • What Barolo 2021 to drink when
  • The 2021 vintage in detail
  • Barolo 2021: The top scorers
  • Plus: 160 recommended wines with tasting notes & scores

Barolo 2021 vintage rating: 5/5

After a spring frost brought localised damage, the summer was hot and dry. Winter water reserves and cooler temperatures at night helped mitigate stress. A late harvest yielded charismatic yet well structured wines with great ageing potential.


Top-scoring Barolo 2021 wines are listed below



Barolo 2021: The top scorers

View all 160 recommended Barolo 2021 wines from the report

Updated 26/3/2025: 21 additional tasting notes added


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