Barolo 'Castellero'

Score

94

"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."

Score

93

"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."

Score

93

"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."

Score

93

"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."

Score

92

"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."

Score

94

"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."

Score

94

"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"

Score

93

"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."

Score

93

"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."

Score

93

"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."

Score

90

"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."

Score

16.5

Score

93

Score

92

Score

95

Score

94

Score

94