(98 Points) The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted at this address. Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality. The 2007 shows tons of Ginestra nuance, but with extra dimensions to the fruit that literally covers every nook and cranny of the palate. Tasting this next to the 2006 is quite a comparison, as both wines are fabulous. Readers who can should be sure to own bottles of both. A side-by-side comparison is sure to be fascinating as the wines develop over the coming years. Astute readers will note the slight name change here, which is the result of new regulations that require the use of the historic vineyard name, in this case Ginestra, or a proprietary name. Call me nostalgic, but it is sad to see one of the iconic labels in Barolo disappear. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. It’s great to see Domenico Clerico pretty much back to his normal self after a bout with illness over the last few years. Despite having made so many dazzling wines in the past, I can’t help thinking Clerico’s best Baroli may still lie ahead. Maceration times have been gradually lengthened, the use of new French oak has come down in most of the wines and there are rumblings that larger casks are on the way. As always, I tasted a large selection of wines during my recent visit to the estate, including 4-5 vintages of each of the Baroli. Clerico’s 2006s are emotional, moving wines that are living up to the praise I bestowed upon them last year. The 2007s are stratospheric, while the 2008s are developing very well, albeit in a more classic style than the decidedly exuberant 2007s. In 2008 Clerico has a Barolo from his vineyard in Bussia that is still being raised separately and may be bottled on its own. Based on multiple tastings, it is a special Barolo. It’s still early for the 2009s, but today they are less viscerally thrilling, pretty much in line with the way most wines of that year are showing right now. Wine Advocate #193, Feb 2011
List Price: $120.00
Your shopping cart is empty!
Wed, May 1, 2024
"Now wines are wonders; great wines are magical; and winemakers are mad. Like horse fanciers, they are always trying...
Wed, May 1, 2024
Wine Cave is Available for a Private Dining Experience ...
Fri, May 3, 2024
Wine Cave is Available for a Private Dining Experience The wine bar is on...
Fri, May 3, 2024
Wine hath drowned more men than the sea. THOMAS FULLER And if I drowned in wine, I ...
Sat, May 4, 2024
An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have. Andy Warhol ...
Thu, May 9, 2024
A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti. Hannibal Lecter ...
Thu, May 9, 2024
Wine Cave is Available for a Private Dining Experience The wine bar is only open for ...
Fri, May 10, 2024
"A man dies too young if he leaves any wine in his cellar." - Wine writer Andr&ea...
Fri, May 10, 2024
Wine Cave is Available for a Private Dining Experience The wine bar is only open for ...
Sat, May 11, 2024
God made Cabernet Sauvignon, whereas the devil made Pinot Noir. - Andre Tchelistcheff, Chief Winemaker at Beauli...