Wine Reviews

Like a breath of fresh air, this delicate, refined red displays cherry, strawberry, currant and hibiscus flavors. Feels crisp on the finish, as much from tart acidity as the tannins.

This is the estate’s classic Barolo, made with fruit from various sites. Named after the ancient Tortonian marls that define much of the Barolo appellation, the Michele Chiarlo 2022 Barolo Tortoniano offers an open-knit personality with broad, generous fruit that captures the straightforward appeal of Nebbiolo in a warm vintage. The wine fleshes out across the palate with savory spice, tobacco and dark cherry before finishing with ample richness. There is a touch of heaviness on the close, but the wine remains true to its accessible, fruit-driven style. From vineyards planted on nine-million-year-old marine sedimentary soils rich in magnesium and manganese, this is an ample production of 60,000 bottles.

The 2021 Barolo Tortoniano is a classy, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, silky, red-toned fruit, cinnamon and dried flowers caress the palate. Medium in body and quite open, the 2021 is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years.

A subtle wine with spicy depth, showing layers of graphite and oak bark over strawberries, red currants and cinnamon. The medium-bodied, bony palate has firm, dusty tannins and moderate to refreshing acidity.

Restrained, if not low-key at the first impression, with small red-fruit aromas and lots of licorice. Minty and tight. Medium- to full-bodied, it seems built to last, with firm, dusty tannins and crisp acidity allied to a fresh fruit profile. Still young.