1998 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo DOCG, Italy (High SHoulder)

The Cerequio vineyard’s soil composition and especially mild climate are qualities that make it one of the most prestigious crus of the Langhe. Rigorously selected grapes for this auspicious bottling come from an area called the “balcony of the Langhe,” situated at 1,200 feet in elevation within the La Morra commune. With tortonian calcareous Sant’Agata marl, the soils have a bluish color due to the high content of magnesium and manganese. In the cellar, high-temperature fermentation on the skins is followed by aging in 700-liter oak tonneaux and then in bottle before release.  Shows ample black fruit and spice aromas and flavors in a rich, full body with healthy tannins and a lingering finish.