Giacomo Fenocchio

Barolo 'Castellero'

Nebbiolo from 0.4 hectares of Castellero, nestled between Bussia and Cannubi
280 meters elevation
Soil of marl, tuff, and a notable composition of sand
Vines have an average age of 40 years
40 days spontaneous fermentation and maceration
Aged 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks prior to bottling
330 cases produced annually
2011 was the first vintage of this as a single vineyard expression; prior to that it went into the Barolo classico.

Info

Producer:

Giacomo Fenocchio

Vintage:

2021

Country:

Italy

Region:

Piedmont

Appellation:

Barolo

Variety:

Nebbiolo

Color:

Red

Farming Practice:

Sustainable

Sizes Available

Full Bottle

IT-FEN-21-21

12/750ml

Resources

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Press & Reviews

James Suckling

Score

Date

2025-01-31

"Dried cherries, licorice and orange peel dominate on the nose. With time in the glass, it shows complexity and depth, with flavors of cherries, dried flowers and balsamic. Large and full-bodied, it has typical dusty yet ripe tannins, freshness and a savory aftertaste with some warm, earthy notes. Try from 2027."

Vinous

Score

94+

Date

2025-01-07

"The 2021 Barolo Castellero is the most reticent of the 2021s at this address. Red-toned fruit, iron, white pepper, chalk and dried herbs convey tons of earthy, mineral intensity. This tightly wound wine is going to need a number of years to be at its best, but it is pretty impressive today."

REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES

James Suckling

Score

Date

Vinous

Score

Date

2021-04-29

Wine Enthusiast

Score

Date

2021-06-20

James Suckling

Score

Date

2022-02-08

Vinous

Score

Date

2022-02-01

Decanter

Score

Date

2023-03-23

"The ridge that descends from Bussia, wedged between Cannubi Boschis and Pugnane, terminates in the Castellero MGA. Well known for its more poised style, it doesn't differ here: leafy lightness, dried cherry, bright mint and milky aromas are allied to a graceful, relaxing attack then firm tannins, fierce acidity and a fresh, juicy red currant and pomegranate fruit character. A dynamic finish."

James Suckling

Score

Date

2023-07-28

"Notes of raspberries, ground spices, bergamot and nutmeg with some dry earth undertones. Medium-bodied with a ripe and meaty tannin structure. Velvety and taut with an attractive berry fruit core. Lingering, juicy finish. Try from 2026."

Jancis Robinson

Score

16.5

Date

2022-11-29

Jeb Dunnuck

Score

Date

2023-05-04

"The second of the Cru wines, the 2019 Barolo Castellero is supple and seductive, with a seamless floral perfume of violets, crushed stones, black cherry, and truffle. Medium-bodied and generous through the mid-palate, it remains elegant and savory, with good length. Lingering notes of apricot and flowers exude after the wine is gone. Drink 2024-2034."

Kerin O'Keefe

Score

Date

2023-04-18

"Blue flower, wild berry, camphor and licorice aromas come to the forefront. Full-bodied and youthfully austere, the palate offers spiced cranberry, red cherry and hints of mocha alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it bright. Drink 2029†2039. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O,Keefe March 2023 'kerinokeefe"

Vinous

Score

Date

2023-11-03

"The 2019 Barolo Castellero is redolent of pine, menthol, licorice, spice, lavender and cedar. Medium in body, the 2019 offers terrific freshness and energy throughout. Bright acids and focused tannins give the wine its shape and overall persistence. This should be approachable with minimal cellaring."

Wine Advocate

Score

Date

2024-04-04

"With fruit from the village of Barolo, the Giacomo Fenocchio 2019 Barolo Castellero is a bit closed on first nose with a metallic note of tin or latex that takes away from the freshness of the fruit. I have noticed this reduction across many of the wines from 2019. There is dried flower and crushed stone mixed in with fine-grained tannins. Production is 5,000 bottles."

James Suckling

Score

Date

2024-05-16

"Ripe cherries and raspberries with hints of ground spices, beeswax and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied with firm, tightly wound tannins. Structured and focused. Lingering finish. Try after 2027."

Jeb Dunnuck

Score

Date

2024-05-15

"The youthfully red 2020 Barolo Castellero needs a minute to blow off on opening but offers notes of spiced orange, dried cranberries, mint, and pine. Medium-bodied, it has fine tannins, a stony texture, even acidity, and a nice finish. Approachable and showing well now, it will drink well over the next 5-6 years."

Kerin O'Keefe

Score

Date

2024-04-01

"Red berry, hazelnut, new leather and ground clove aromas come to the forefront on the fragrant 2020 Castellero from Giacomo Fenocchio. The full-bodied palate starts off with succulent Morello cherry and crushed raspberry before notes of bitter orange, ground clove and a sanguine note of rusty iron appear on the mid-palate. Tight, close-grained tannins offer firm support."

Vinous

Score

Date

2024-01-04

"Fenocchio's 2020 Barolo Castellero is floral, savory and full of energy. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint and spice meld into a core of dark red cherry/plum fruit. This mid-weight, classy Barolo is all charm. Soft contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal."

Wine Enthusiast

Score

Date

2024-08-01

"Lifted aromas that highlight the deft hand of the grower as crushed strawberries and raspberries lift from the glass intertwine with hints of sage, dried roses and anise. Round, plush and inviting, the wine cuddles the palate, but it is the big spoon. Structured, strong and firm, the wine shines as ripe Bing cherries pop with freshness and vitality finishing with a subtle earthy note. Drink now–2045. —J.P."

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Giacomo Fenocchio

Barolo 'Castellero'