2021 Ettore Germano Barolo Prapo [JS95][WA95][D94][JD94][V94][WE94]

Producer: Ettore Germano 
Region: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy 
Varietal: Nebbiolo 
Year: 2021 

James Suckling, 95 Points 

"A precise Barolo with a very good match between fruit and structure. Intoxicating flowery aromas of dried sweet violets, sappy balsam, bright red cherries, strawberries, blood oranges and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied with refined, elegant tannins that are velvety and condensed, showing refreshing acidity and a long, spicy finish." 

Wine Advocate, 95 Points 

"The Ettore Germano 2021 Barolo Prapò is a little shy compared to the more immediate Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba. The bouquet is inward-looking, but you do get blackcurrant, cola, reddish iron and chalky limestone. This site has a layer of sand within the topsoil, and that could explain the more nuanced and delicate nature of the bouquet. However, we're still talking about Serralunga d'Alba, so you can expect plenty of power and intensity on the finish. Production is 9,000 bottles." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"Apart from Vignarionda, all of Ettore German’s single-MGA wines are crafted from the respective site’s oldest plantings. In Prapò, 45-year-old vines sit on calcareous clay with a vein of sand. This seems to give a distinct verticality to the wine’s architecture. The 2021 is also relatively austere, with discreet wet stone, coriander and forest brush aromas. On the palate, crunchy acidity accentuates sumac and cranberry, steely tannins are razor sharp, and the finish brings out salty minerals. It seems just a bit bony at the moment but could flesh out." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"Moving to the Crus, the 2021 Barolo Prapo' is a rich ruby hue and is sweetly perfumed and ripe on the nose with notes of lavender oils, blackberries, balsamic herbs, mocha, and anise. It keeps compact focus on the palate, with an elegant touch, refined, ripe tannins, a fresh spine of acidity, and a long finish. It’s a very appealing wine with a more approachable feel upfront, but it has the ability to age over the next 15 or so years." 

Vinous, 94 Points 

"The 2021 Barolo Prapò is such an archetype of Serralunga. Scorched earth, game, tobacco, incense and dried flowers come alive. This potent, brooding Barolo is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. It's all brawn and muscle here." 

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points 

"Pretty, lifted aromas of mixed red fruits, purple flowers, and roses float above the glass. Prapò sits directly below the family's house and cellar, with the oldest vines planted by in 1967. This vineyard consistently delivers one of the appellation's most compelling expressions, and this bottling shows why. Very classic and solid, the deep core of fruit carries a darker undertone with licorice, black tea, and grilled porcini mushrooms. The finish turns decidedly umami, that savory depth that makes great Nebbiolo so captivating." 

Alcohol: 14% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.