2017 Barolo Cannubi

Showing ripe fruit aromas of cherry confit or dried apricot, the Giacomo Fenocchio 2017 Barolo Cannubi exposes the undeniable imprint of this very hot and dry vintage and coming from a southeast-facing slope at a lowish 280 meters in altitude. The aromas are soft and slightly muddled although we can hold out hope that this Nebbiolo with flesh out with more aging time in the bottle. Approximately 3,000 bottles were released.

The 2017 Barolo Cannubi, aged for 30 months in 20- to 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak, is from a small, 0.5-hectare parcel of Cannubi. It reveals perfumed notes of pure cherry, anise, violets, and leather. The palate is tightly wound and resinous with pine, bitter herbs, and orange pith, with angular structure. Allow 3-5 years and drink 2024-2046. Claudio Fenocchio is the fifth-generation winemaker for this estate based in Monforte d’Alba. They practice long fermentations and maceration and utilize large Slavonian oak. In the vineyard, they practice organic viticulture.

The 2017 Barolo Cannubi is a very pretty, ethereal Barolo. Crushed flowers, sweet dried red berries, mint, chalk and white pepper are all nicely lifted. This is a decidedly light style, even for Cannubi.