A super-intense and perfumed Barolo, graceful and powerful, with aromas of Parma violets, citrus, leaves, lush cherries and yellow stone fruit. Full-bodied on the palate, it shows a velvety texture, ripe tannins despite the extraction, tight-knit acidity and graphite flavors. Long, lavish finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

This red is round, fleshy and expressive, featuring cherry, raspberry, hibiscus, iron and sweet spice flavors. The supple texture is offset with dense, yet refined tannins as this red extends on the bright and kaleidoscopic finish. Best from 2030 through 2050. 580 cases made, 70 cases imported.

The 2021 Barolo Cicala is packed with dark fruit, iron, gravel, incense, tobacco, dried herbs and chocolate. Time in the glass brings out a more mineral dimension, but the 2021 is a decidedly rich, ample Cicala. Even so, all the elements are very nicely balanced. I would give this a few years in bottle to come around. — By Antonio Galloni on January 2026

Giacomo Conterno maintains that 2021 is a fantastic vintage to demonstrate differences of site. Case in point, the Cicala vineyard is separated only by forest from the nearby Colonnello and is characterised by blue calcareous clay with iron. Of the two, the 2021 Cicala is much more difficult to read at this early stage, somewhat overwhelmed by its potent structure and oak. A lifted nose eventually reveals vanilla, tobacco and even chocolate inflecting the dark cherry fruit. Very linear with slightly coarse, broad tannins, perhaps time – which is highly recommended – will allow its more subtle characteristics to emerge.