The 2019 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti is one of the most profoundly riveting, beautiful wines I have ever tasted here. Interestingly, this is more open than the straight Pira because of its inner perfume and sweetness. Hard candy, rose petals, mint, orange peel and kirsch all race across the palate. The 2019 is just dazzling. There's not much to say.
98 Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Roagna 2019 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti comes from a 1.5-hectare plot with vines planted in 1937. Part of the vineyard is on its original roots, and some of the ungrafted vines were reproduced by using the shoots of a mother vine buried underground, thus creating a new plant. The site tends to be among the last to harvest in October. This is an incredible expression of Nebbiolo, fluid and luminous. It changes constantly with delicate swirls. However, you also feel the power and intensity of a concentrated vintage. The bouquet opens to a hint of something botanical with flowers and fresh mint that give enormous vertical lift to the wine. Luca Roagna tells me that wild mint does in fact grow throughout the vineyard, and when he drives his tractor through the rows, he is reminded of an exotic mojito cocktail.
98 Wine Spectator
Aromas of cardamom and white pepper are an ideal foil for this red's strawberry, cherry, floral, mineral and eucalyptus flavors. Though linear in profile, this builds in intensity to the long, kaleidoscopic aftertaste. Still a touch austere yet almost creamy in texture, this needs another three to five years to open up. Best from 2028 through 2047. 299 cases made.
