Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin 2016 (750ML)

97 WA / 97 JS / 95 WS / 17.5 JR

#44 James Suckling Top 100 Italian Wines of 2020

The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Ciabot Mentin opens to fleshy floral aromas with lilac and dried lavender that cede to wild berry, cherry and candied orange skin. You don't get much of the tar or asphalt-like tones that you often see with Nebbiolo. Instead, the wine reveals bright primary fruit and delicate, ethereal complexity. The effect is smooth, refined and silky. The Ciabot Mentin vineyard is located within the Ginestra cru and represents the top part of the hill, with fruit planted at 410 meters above sea level. This vineyard was established in 1978. Like the other Clerico Baroli, it ages in both barrique (for eight months) and botte (for one year), and the overall oak imprint is reduced compared to past vintages. Monica Larner – The Wine Advocate

This is extremely perfumed with dried flowers, dark fruit, black mushrooms and roasted meat. Full-bodied and very powerful with intensely rich tannins that show polish and strength. It’s very long and chewy, yet linear and tight. Needs time to soften, but what potential here! Drink from 2024 and onwards. James Suckling

A supple, luscious red, packed with cherry, black currant and violet flavors, showing light accents of tar, iron and wild herbs. This is backed by a dense structure, yet remains beautifully integrated, even at this youthful stage. Excellent length. Offers fine purity and harmony overall. Best from 2022 through 2046. 200 cases made, 100 cases imported. — BS - The Wine Spectator

Monforte d’Alba. Youthful mid ruby. At first a little muted on the nose. Energetic red fruit over a massive, finely chiselled layer of tannins. Fragrant finish that is endlessly changing from succulent fruit to massive tannins and back again. Complete. (WS) Walter Speller - Jancis Robinson