Wine Reviews
The 2016 Barolo Riserva Cerequio is a powerful, dense wine. I very much admire the intensity here, even if the oak imprint is strong. Black fruit, mocha, leather, incense and cloves bring out the darker side of Cerequio.
The 2016 vintage is still young but is not too far away from its prime drinking window. Held back for more aging at the winery, the Michele Chiarlo 2016 Barolo Riserva Cerequio has only begun to turn away from primary intensity. There are aromas of dried fruit and pressed rose that follow a long, polished mouthfeel. This is a full-bodied effort from Cerequio with rich fruit weight and spicy oak tannins.
Beautiful nose with dried red fruit, cherry chocolate, bergamot and bark with hints of citrus blossom and dry earth. So polished and refined with medium to full body and a compact tannin structure. It has savory nuances to the fruit character and crushed stone minerality in the finish. Already attractive but can age further.
The 2016 Barolo Riserva Cerequio will be released in spring 2023. It is already a mature wine. Dried cherry, leather, cedar, mint, tobacco and worn-in leather are all signs of a Barolo that is close to peaking. The Riserva emerges from Chiarlo’s oldest vines, planted in 1971. It sees a slightly longer period of time on the skins and three full years in oak
Dried flowers, red berry baked tarts, rose petals, patisserie elements. Clean, clear and sharp, this is focussed and amazingly taught on the palate. Tannins are present and firm giving the linearity to this – the straight core that drives the wine forward. It’s not so expansive, the tension is so apparent still, but so well defined and really graceful. Feels sophisticated and oh so charming. Such amazing almost bitter, minty, freshness on the finish, the licks of stone, graphite, pencil led giving the salinity and minerality. Just such a gorgeous lingering impression that makes you smile. Mouthwatering acidity is up front and centre but it’s cushioned and plumped by the tannins and freshness, not giving plushness but certainly adding depth. Amazingly well controlled, full of vivacity and scintillating tension.
