98 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "This is a relatively new wine from Comm. G.B. Burlotto that brings us to the village of Monforte d'Alba. Now in its second release, the 2019 Barolo Castelletto is a wine that Fabio Alessandria had long wanted to make. In fact, he was specifically looking for land in this MGA site (located at 500 meters in elevation, with Perno to the north and Ginestra to the south). "I was looking in that valley because I wanted to make a wine with more backbone and tannic power," he says. Indeed, this wine presents a vertical personality that is straight-shooting, precise and direct. This beautiful 2019 vintage gives a true taste of his vision. This is a classic wine with hints of wild fruit, mint and chalky minerality over a lean-bodied mouthfeel. It is certainly a wine of energy, tension and lasting power. Drink 2025-2055 (Aug 2023)."
97 points Antoni Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Barolo Castelletto is dazzling in the way it marries fruit density with the dark, balsamic-tinged profile and structural feel that is the signature of wines from Castelletto. Black cherry, plum, mocha, lavender, sage and espresso lend gorgeous nuance. The 2019 is quite rich and yet the tannins - often a challenge here - are handled with real skill. Tremendous. Drink 2029-2049 (Jan 2023)."
96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "From Monforte, the 2019 Barolo Castelletto comes from a unique vineyard located between Perno and Ginestra and takes on a much different character from the other two vineyards. With notes of licorice, menthol, and red cherry, it is structured, with mouthwatering and tangy acidity, and is more persistent in its approach and has balanced concentration in its long finish. Drink 2025-2045. Only 3,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2025-2045 (May 2023)."
96 points Decanter: "There were high expectations for this Castelletto from GB Burlotto, since the first vintage of this cru from the estate was the leaner 2018 vintage. Typically fermented in oak, this 2019 has spent 33 months in oak (compared to less than 24 months in 2018). Very balsamic to the fore, it showcases amazing lemongrass freshness allied to dried violets and red currants. The palate is convex and tense, with large, firm tannins, refined and sweet on the finish. An elegant expression with tantalising freshness and a lavish aftertaste. Drinking window 2023-2050 (Jan 2023)."
More About The Wine: CASTELLETTO Vineyards
The cru Castelletto is one of the most renowned crus of the commune of Monforte.
A vineyard in Castelletto is our family’s most recent acquisition, and starting with the 2018 vintage it will be the source of a new single vineyard Barolo for us. Our parcel, with an area of 1.07 hectares, mild exposure to East-South-East, and an altitude from 270 to 300 meters, was planted on an extension of the “Lequio formation” typical of the municipality of Serralunga (a singular subsoil with alternating layers of clayey marl and sandy soils). For our Barolo Castelletto we will focus on vines on the upper slope of the cru which were planted in 1973.
