2021 Barolo Monvigliero Luigi Einaudi

In a special bottle with an artist label, the Poderi Luigi Einaudi 2021 Barolo Monvigliero shows dried violets, crushed flowers and soft fruit tones. The wine definitely leans into those pretty floral aromas, and there is a botanical element as well that is slightly herbal, like a perfumed tea. A second layer at the back introduces stony mineral tones that add a sense of linearity and lift. This is a beauty that will flesh out with more time in bottle. Patience is required.

The 2021 Monvigliero from Poderi Einaudi entices with its aromas of dark culinary spice, pine forest, camphor and blue flower. Full-bodied and enveloping, the palate shows elegance and structure, doling out crushed raspberry, pomegranate, orange peel and licorice before a mentholated finish. Tightly woven, crushed velvet tannins provide the backbone while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Even though it’s tempting now, give this time to fully develop.

The 2021 Barolo Monvigliero is a very pretty, lifted Barolo. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, white pepper, chalk, dried flowers and mint give the Monvigliero a distinct upper register of high-toned aromatics. Here, too, it would be nice to see a bit more pliancy in the mid-palate, as the tannins are a bit severe. Even so, I find the 2021 totally beguiling, especially with some air.

92P+: Pouring a bright red color, the 2021 Barolo Monvigliero leads with lifted spices of nutmeg, dehydrated strawberries, pomegranate, dried flowers, and fennel. The palate is elegant and medium-framed, with a weightless feel and a silky, approachable texture. It floats on the finish and is a more immediate wine in the range from Luigi Einaudi.