2011 Barolo Fossati
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Barolo Fossati comes across as blowsy, with a distinctly roasted quality to its fruit. On the plus side, the heat of the vintage has smooth out some of the severe tannins the Fossati often shows as a young wine. In my experience it is very hard to find balance in Fossati as a single vineyard wine. In fact, it is next to impossible. Growers must choose between picking early and maintaining freshness but also have unripe tannins, or getting the tannins fully ripe, which almost always means elevated ripeness in the fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Barolo Fossati bears the warm climate characteristics of the vintage for sure. The fruit is upfront and mature with lingering notes of cherry liqueur, blackberry confit and air-dried apricot. The wine presents extra richness and succulence. The fruit is round and slightly sweet and the tannins are yielding. This is a steady Barolo to drink in the near or medium term.
Barolo. Lacklustre mid ruby with orange rim. Floral cherry and herbal notes on the nose. Supple, sweet fruit palate without enormous complexity and richly tannic on the finish. A little rustic, at least for the moment. (WS)
About the producer
One of Piedmont’s oldest estates, Giacomo Borgogno & Figli, often known as just “Borgogno”, is archly traditional. Favouring long macerations and extended ageing in Slavonian cask, it is best known for its impressive Barolos, especially the prized late releases from its extensive library stock.