Wine Reviews

This red has settled into a nice groove, evoking fading cherry and ripe berry fruit, eucalyptus, menthol and mint notes, with an underlying mineral component. Tightens up on the finish, suggesting this still has some time to give. Balanced and elegant overall.

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.

Enchanting aromas of spiced cherry preserves, baking spices and rosewood just scratch the surface of what can and will emerge from this stunning Barolo. The palate strikes a firm tone with a foundation of tannins and acidity built for the cellar while tart red berries, aged tea and herbal flavors give an alluring aura to this wine.

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.

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.