On June 15, James tasted with Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto of Pio Cesare the special release of the Pio Cesare Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba 2017 and Barolo Riserva 2000 in time for the winery's 140th anniversary.
Federica notes that only 1,881 bottles of di Serralunga 2017 were produced – a nod to the founding year of the cellar. The wine was created from a blend of grapes from four vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba: Bonato, Briccolina, La Serra and Lirano.
She also mentions that the 2017 is similar to the 2015 in terms of power and structure. After tasting the wine, James agrees with this, despite the 2016's appeal with its fine tannins and approachability. He also declares the 2015/16/17 the first trilogy since the 88/89/90 Barolos.
Pio Cesare Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba 2017
Pio Cesare Barolo Riserva 2000
