2021 Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin Barolo, Piedmont

Between the Pajana and the Ciabot Mentin, I have a preference for the latter. The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin comes from the higher part of the slope (with vines planted in 1978) and offers an extremely precise and finely stitched bouquet that incorporates elements of cassis, wild berry, herb, blue flower and crushed stone. The mineral signature is a little more pronounced in this wine, and it leans into iron ore and rusty nail. Like the Pajana, the tannins are quite firm, and the wine will need more time in bottle to integrate. This is a release of 5,500 bottles and 150 magnums.

97+ points robertparker.com

Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin Barolo is one of the most iconic expressions of Nebbiolo from the Ginestra cru in Monforte d’Alba, a wine that captures both the raw power of the vineyard and the precision of Clerico’s modernist vision. Originally called Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, this wine comes from a steep, south-facing slope with compact clay-limestone soils that produce intensely structured and age-worthy Barolo.

The fruit is meticulously hand-harvested and undergoes a long maceration followed by maturation in French oak barriques, a style that Clerico helped pioneer. Despite the richness, Ciabot Mentin maintains balance, elegance and clarity, showcasing both the vineyard’s grandeur and Nebbiolo’s haunting aromatics.

The nose is pure Ginestra: black cherry, dried violet, liquorice, cedar and hints of mint and leather. The palate is full-bodied and brooding, with layers of ripe dark fruit, espresso, ironstone and truffle. Firm, ripe tannins and energetic acidity give the wine serious backbone and longevity.

It’s a wine to serve with age-worthy dishes like venison ragu, braised oxtail or white truffle pasta. Built to last, Ciabot Mentin will reward careful cellaring for 15 to 25 years, unfolding slowly into something unforgettable.