In the far southeast of Barolo, Giacosa’s 9ha monopoly shines in 2021. Made from vines with an average age of 35 years, Falletto flirts rather than flaunts. Red and black currants establish a backdrop from which iron, sage, bay leaf and liquorice root arise. Elegance, polish and precision are impeccably demonstrated, as is immense freshness, with racy acidity giving mouth cleansing vibrancy and energy. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, building up steadily in dignified strength around a core of pulverised stone. Pressed rose and lilac perfume the finish.

This is all about purity, with cherries, strawberries, spices, sandalwood, iodine, seashells and black truffles on the nose. Full-bodied but so balanced and focused, with layering and vertically that go on and on. The nebbiolo character is intense and gorgeous. Some pure fruit at the end, with notes of flint and gunpowder. Best after 2027, but it’s already a joy to taste.

The 2021 Barolo Falletto comes from the lower portion of the slope and was aged for 34 months in big barrels and then six months in bottle. In the glass, it pours a jeweled red hue with a bit more pigment than the Barbaresco and is spicy on the nose, with a compelling feel in its notes of spiced cherries, fresh herbs, smoky incense, and hints of fresh leather. The palate is medium-bodied, with lovely purity and clarity that was a consistent thread throughout all the wines at this tasting. It features ripe tannins with a noble yet elegant feel, as the fruit shines brightly and carries through to a long and even finish. As it opens, it showcases its more noble structure, along with the ability to age over the next two to three decades. - Audrey Frick

You feel the signature of an elegant vintage in the superbly direct and focused Bruno Giacosa 2021 Barolo Falletto. This beautiful wine offers bright berry fruit, blue flower and crushed stone. This is a complete wine, with aromatic intensity that is matched to the depth of mouthfeel and structure. We can expect a red label Barolo Riserva Falletto Vigna Le Rocche from the 2020 vintage to be released in 2026 and a 2021 edition to be released in 2027. That will certainly be something to look forward to. The Riserva was previously made in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017. - ML

A rich, explosive wine, the 2021 Barolo Falletto is heady from the first taste. Spice, menthol, licorice, camphor and dried herbs infuse the palate with captivating depth and nuance. This opens beautifully with time in the glass, showing all the power and regal intensity these wines were once known for. Best of all, the 2021 will drink well with minimal cellaring, as the tannins are already quite polished. Superb. -- Antonio Galloni

Supple in texture and loaded with finesse, this Barolo exudes raspberry, cherry, rose, iron, tar and spice flavors, with a hint of licorice. The dense, fine-grained tannins emerge as this winds down on the long, languid aftertaste. Vibrant and complex. Best from 2029 through 2050. - BS