Decanter
"Giacomo Fenocchio is one of the producers who admitted that the 2019 vintage is for him better than the incoming rounder 2020. His Bussia plot is within the ÁSottana, part of one of the biggest MGAs, towards the commune of Barolo. His traditional style with submerged cap, long maceration and ageing in botti is enhanced here by graceful aromas of milk and mint, dried cherry, rose, and chalky minerality. The attack is firm but the delicacy of its amazing freshness is well integrated and lets the wine flow with balance, despite significant extraction. There's a kind of glycerol layer running over the palate, with a very sweet tannic finish. Most likely the best Bussia of 2019."
Decanter World Wine Awards
James Suckling
"Subtle aromas of red cherries, dried flowers, freshly cut citrus peel and bergamot. Some crushed stone minerality, too. It,s medium-bodied with firm, linear tannins that are finely grained and evenly distributed across the palate. Pure and delicate fruit in the middle with floral and mineral accents. Well made. Firm and vertical. Try after 2027."
Jancis Robinson
"Mid to deep ruby. A deep, spicy, mysterious and brooding nose. Reveals itself only slowly, slowly in the glass. Layered and complex. Still compact and backwards on the palate but finely balanced. Supple and still very tightly wound. Plenty of substance. The fruit is anchored by firm but polished tannins that go on and on. (WS) "
Jeb Dunnuck
"Ripe and flush aromatically, the 2019 Barolo Bussia reveals generous notes of licorice candy, black raspberry, black truffle, and forest floor followed by a medium to full-bodied red offering forward, ripe tannins, with meaty cherry fruit, earthy mushrooms, and turned soil. It fills the palate but continues to drive forward and remain fresh. Allow another year or so and drink 2024-2036."
Vinous
"The 2019 Barolo Bussia is another inward, bruising wine from Claudio Fenocchio. Dark, balsamic and imposing, the Bussia has a good bit of complexity, but is not showing much today. I am not sure if the huge tannins will ever soften here."
Wine Advocate
"The Giacomo Fenocchio 2019 Barolo Bussia has ripe cherry and dried raspberry on a first wave. With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, this wine shows nicely balanced results. I like the grip of the tannins and the focused, angular style of the wine that prizes crushed stone and rusty iron. This wine stands apart in this portfolio. Production is 25,000 bottles."
James Suckling
"This is structured and meaty with a medium to full body and firm but very fine tannins. Ripe red and dark berries with hints of walnuts and tar. It's well made and focused with a lingering finish. Try from 2028."
Jeb Dunnuck
"Ripe brick red in color, the 2020 Barolo Bussia is fruity and layered on opening with notes of mixed berries, baking spices, sage, and candied violets. Rounded and seamless, the palate offers a velvety texture, with ripe tannins and a long finish. Its ripeness of fruit shows on the finish, and it's going to be best enjoyed over the next 8-10 years."
Kerin O'Keefe
"Leather, blue flower, camphor and tobacco aromas lead the nose on the 2020 Bussia from Giacomo Fenocchio. The tight, savory palate offers ripe raspberry, strawberry, flinty mineral and ground clove alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2028–2035. Abv: 14.5%"
Vinous
"The 2020 Barolo Bussia is the most expressive of these Barolos from Claudio Fenocchio. Ample and layered in feel, the 2020 offers up a compelling mix of dark fruit, mocha, spice, leather, dried herbs and incense. There's real penetrating power to the aromatics and flavors here. Time in the glass brings out the wine's natural pedigree. The 2020 is beautifully done."
Wine Enthusiast
"Claudio Fenocchio,s mastery is evident in how he elicits the quintessence of Bussia in this wine. It unfolds with measured elegance, unhurried in its expression. The bouquet is rich with warm Marasca cherries, blood orange zest, fading rose, wild sage, and forest floor. Effortlessly, it glides across the palate, the 2020,s tannins are soft, rounded, and plush, embracing the mixed berry preserves sprinkled with baking spices while the lively acidity elevates the experience, ensuring a fresh palate. This stands out as one of the premier wines of this vintage. Drink Now through 2045. Editors, Choice. ‡J.P."
