Critical Acclaim
93 Points from Wine Spectator
95 Points from James Suckling
93 Points from Wine Advocate
91 Points from Wine Enthusiast
The 2021 Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo has received outstanding critical acclaim, earning a 95-point rating from James Suckling, 93 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points from Wine Spectator, and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. Critics praise this vintage for its seamless blending of Nebbiolo grapes harvested across five historic vineyard sites, yielding a rich, appellation-wide snapshot of the region. James Suckling describes the wine as a fine-tuned, full-bodied, and elegant Barolo highlighted by notes of dried cherries, licorice, mint, and soft tannins. Wine Advocate notes its standard Nebbiolo complexity, highlighting immediate, open-knit textures filled with toasted tobacco leaf, cassis, and dark fruit. Concurrently, Wine Spectator commends its taut harmony, laced with white pepper, strawberry, and a mineral-driven acidity, while Wine Enthusiast lauds its energetic vibrancy and bright, pure red fruits that favor elegance over sheer muscle.
Tasting Notes
The
Damilano 2021 Lecinquevigne Barolo offers an approachable yet classical introduction to the legendary wines of Piedmont, crafted exclusively from
100% Nebbiolo grapes. True to the "Lecinquevigne" name, meaning "the five vineyards," the fruit is meticulously sourced from premium calcareous-clay plots across several prestigious communes in the
Barolo DOCG. The stellar
2021 vintage reflects a spectacular return to traditional character, displaying a ruby-red color with classic orange reflections and delivering a beautiful harmony of structure, freshness, and elegance.
On the nose, this medium-to-full-bodied red unleashes an intense, expressive bouquet laced with fresh roses, violets, dried cherries, and wild strawberries. This highly aromatic profile evolves further into complex, traditional tertiary notes of licorice, mint, leather, star anise, and a distinct hint of tar. The palate carries an energetic sense of lightness and purity, driving flavors of cherry coulis, balsamic spice, and white pepper along a taut, linear frame. Backed by firm, fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity, the wine coats the mouth before resolving into a long, persistent, and savory-tinged finish. The half-bottle format allows you to enjoy this textbook Nebbiolo vibrancy immediately without committing to a full bottle, though its impeccable balance guarantees great aging potential over the next decade.
To beautifully complement its pronounced tannins and high acidity, pair this Barolo with rich, savory, and slow-cooked northern Italian cuisine. It serves as a perfect match for hearty main courses such as traditional risotto al Barolo, rich braised beef (brasato), or wild game. The earthy undertones of the Nebbiolo grape harmonized with time spent in large Slovenian oak barrels make it an outstanding partner for dishes featuring truffles and wild mushrooms. For a simple yet luxurious conclusion to a meal, serve it alongside a platter of robust, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno.
375ml
