Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Tonight, this bottle of 2010 Fenocchio Barolo “Villero” gave a masterclass on the character and virtues of the Villero MGA. I have always felt that massive patience would be required for the 2010 vintage since the wines are so structured. However, the Villero fruit, as it so often does, showed through with aplomb. The most prized parcels are located in the upper portions of the vineyard and this is where Giacomo Fenocchio’s holdings reside.
Opened and simply allowed to breathe for about an hour before dinner. In the glass, the wine pours a luminous ruby color with a transparent core. No staining of the tears. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is expressive with notes of dark cherries, sandalwood, anise, fresh red roses and tar. On the palate, the wine is bone dry and the structure, in typical 2010 fashion, remains monumental…even at 12 years of age. In fact, the tannin seemed to build as the hours went by. That being said, the fruit was still abundant and full of class: cherries, forest strawberries, dry earth, spiced meat and minerals. Juicy and textured at the same time and the finish was hedonistic. While this is already drinking so well, this will have a long life. Drink now with patience and through 2040.
Tonight, this bottle of 2010 Fenocchio Barolo “Villero” gave a masterclass on the character and virtues of the Villero MGA. I have always felt that massive patience would be required for the 2010 vintage since the wines are so structured. However, the Villero fruit, as it so often does, showed through with aplomb. The most prized parcels are located in the upper portions of the vineyard and this is where Giacomo Fenocchio’s holdings reside.
Opened and simply allowed to breathe for about an hour before dinner. In the glass, the wine pours a luminous ruby color with a transparent core. No staining of the tears. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is expressive with notes of dark cherries, sandalwood, anise, fresh red roses and tar. On the palate, the wine is bone dry and the structure, in typical 2010 fashion, remains monumental…even at 12 years of age. In fact, the tannin seemed to build as the hours went by. That being said, the fruit was still abundant and full of class: cherries, forest strawberries, dry earth, spiced meat and minerals. Juicy and textured at the same time and the finish was hedonistic. While this is already drinking so well, this will have a long life. Drink now with patience and through 2040.
Glorious in that perfume driven, nearly bitter salty and savory almost Amaro charm . The finish even now lasts and lasts if the alcohol doesn't rise through as fruit falls and tertiary notes develop, this is sure to beguile for years to come.
Glorious in that perfume driven, nearly bitter salty and savory almost Amaro charm . The finish even now lasts and lasts if the alcohol doesn't rise through as fruit falls and tertiary notes develop, this is sure to beguile for years to come.
Jul 9th, 2015
Wonderfully stony and bright with delicious bright berry fruit and excellent length.
Wonderfully stony and bright with delicious bright berry fruit and excellent length.
Feb 21st, 2015Young but will be amazing in 10 years.
Young but will be amazing in 10 years.
Nov 23rd, 2014I had the wonderful experience of tasting the Villero Cru and the Bussia Cru side by side. 2010 looks like it was a very good year in Monforte. A little more constrained than the Bussia but should really bloom in a couple of years.
I had the wonderful experience of tasting the Villero Cru and the Bussia Cru side by side. 2010 looks like it was a very good year in Monforte. A little more constrained than the Bussia but should really bloom in a couple of years.
Jan 28th, 2015
