2020 Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin Barolo, Piedmont

Bright ruby color suggesting youth. It has an extremely floral nose of fresh roses, violets, pomegranate, cherry fruit and soft spices. The medium-bodied palate is soft with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, a bit of vibrancy and a polished finish. A really enjoyable wine, but it needs 10 years of cellaring to develop its potential of complexity. Drink from 2034.

95 points jamessuckling.com

Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin Barolo is an iconic expression of Nebbiolo from the Ginestra cru in Monforte d’Alba, one of Barolo’s most prestigious sub-regions. Crafted by the legendary Domenico Clerico estate, this single-vineyard wine represents the pinnacle of Barolo winemaking, offering power, complexity, and elegance. The Ciabot Mentin vineyard, located at an altitude of 400 meters with south-facing exposure, is a prime site within Ginestra, known for its calcareous clay soils that produce structured, aromatic, and age-worthy wines.

The name "Ciabot Mentin" refers to a small stone hut ("ciabot") in the vineyard, a nod to the estate’s deep connection to its land. The high altitude of the vineyard ensures optimal ripening while preserving the grape's natural acidity, resulting in a wine of exceptional balance and depth.

Winemaking at Domenico Clerico reflects a blend of traditional practices and modern precision. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected to ensure only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with extended maceration, allowing for full extraction of Nebbiolo’s rich flavors and tannins. The wine is aged for 24-30 months in French oak barriques, followed by additional aging in bottle before release. This process integrates the oak seamlessly, enhancing the wine’s complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

In the glass, Ciabot Mentin Barolo displays a vibrant garnet hue with brick-orange highlights, characteristic of Nebbiolo. The nose is intensely aromatic, with layers of ripe cherries, blackberries, and dried roses, accented by hints of licorice, tobacco, tar, and truffle. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, with firm yet refined tannins and a lively acidity that frames flavors of dark fruits, cocoa, spice, and earthy minerality. The finish is incredibly long and layered, a testament to the wine’s pedigree and aging potential.

Ciabot Mentin is a collector’s wine, capable of evolving beautifully for 15-25 years. It pairs wonderfully with traditional Piedmontese dishes such as Brasato al Barolo, wild mushroom risotto, or tagliatelle with truffle. It also complements aged cheeses like Castelmagno and Pecorino.