Oddero Barolo Villero 2017

96 points James Suckling: "Ripe-plum, candied-strawberry and white-mushroom aromas follow through to a full body with round, soft tannins and plenty of fruit. Lots of transparent fruit in the center palate. It firms up at the end with a fine, chewy texture. Try after 2026. (7/2/21)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "The nose hits its mark with vibrant cherry, strawberry and licorice aromas, adding ripe plum, leather, tar and mineral flavors. A solid structure gives shape and longevity, while this red ends with finesse and harmony. Best from 2024 through 2042. 740 cases made. (9/15/21)"

95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Blue flower, rose, camphor and pipe tobacco are just some of the aromas you'll find on this young Barolo. Firmly structured and elegant, the youthfully austere palate offers black cherry, licorice, mint and a hint of coffee bean framed in assertive, close-grained tannins. Give it time to fully unwind and integrate. Drink 2027–2042. Alcohol 14.5%. (Sep 2021)"

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Oddero 2017 Barolo Villero is another surprise hit from a vintage that did not make it easy for vintners in the Langa. This wine shows classic profile, with plenty of blue flower, violet and crushed stone. The fruit tones are bluish in character with blueberry and wild plum. Compared to the super long and polished Rocche di Castiglione (also located in the village of Castiglione Falletto), this wine from Villero shows a bit less length and persistence overall. Drink: 2024-2045. (Jun 2021)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Barolo Villero is delicate and lifted in this vintage, with impeccable balance and tons of class. Villero is not an easy site to find balance, but the 2017 Oddero sure has it. Sweet cherry, crushed raspberry, rose petal, orange peel and cinnamon give the 2017 lovely aromatic nuance to match its mid-weight personality. Drink: 2025-2037. (Feb 2021)"

93 points Aldo Fiordelli (Decanter): "Mariacristina Oddero manages 1.6 hectares in Villero, with full southern exposure in a warm vineyard based on a fairly high percentage of clay. Comparing this vintage to the cooler 2016 and 2013, it seems that it's best suited to cooler rather than warmer years. Nevertheless this Villero shines for vibrancy of fruit - strawberry, cherry and even some dark fruits - with an elegant Parma violet aroma and a balsamic touch of rosemary. Full and tannic, more chalky than dusty, with a ripe finish sustained by almost zesty acidity, ending with a rather bloody, black cherry aftertaste. Drinking Window: 2021-2040. (Mar 2021)"