Oddero Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2017
Sourced from their 0.66 hectare parcel of Rocche in Castiglione Falletto. This is one of the parcels that has been in their family for the longest time - over 50 years. Their parcel contains a small part of the Rocche vineyard that crosses over into the Monforte d'Alba commune.
This is an unexpected knockout from the underdog 2017 vintage. Drawing its fruit from old vines in the magnificent village of Castiglione Falletto, the Oddero 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is perfumed and delicate in a manner that is quite unusual for this challenging and hot vintage. The bouquet is gracefully shaped by delicate aromas of blue flower and dried lilac, and you are presented with limestone or mineral aromas as well. This is one of those wines that demonstrates its complexity with a busy embroidery or interwoven assemble of little aromatic details and embellishments. I just love the way this wine interprets this vintage with those super long-lasting, almost salty notes on the close. Drink 2024-2045 - 96 Points. Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.
It would be very hard to top the Rocche from 2016, though I feel this vineyard did pretty well in 2017 overall.
Lively perfume, crushed fennel seed and dried flowers, spice, coffee bean and almond essence, cherry and raspberry. Medium-bodied, slightly rusty and sandy feel to tannin, nor the usual depth and intensity, but does have a fresh feel, biscuits and dried herbs, strawberry and spice, and a saline finish of fine length, rusty tannin trailing. Feels more a sketch of vineyard character, rather than a detailed oil painting. A happy tune over a symphony, or something like that. Still, good wine of energy and character. Drink 2023-2030+ - 93 Points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.