Wine Reviews

A mix of fruity and savory, this red boasts cherry, raspberry, menthol, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Starts out fluid before tightening up on the dusty finish.

The Michele Chiarlo 2020 Barolo Cerequio generally has more heft and power compared to the Cannubi, but like that wine, it also shows some of the extra concentration and root-versus-fruit flavors that come with a hot vintage. The wine is softly textured with fine and accessible tannins.

The beauty of wine lies in the uniqueness of each vintage. The 2020 Cerequio showcases the vibrancy of fruit from this vineyard. Aromas of ripe cherries, crushed strawberries and red-currant jam intertwine with hints of wild mint, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.

The 2021 Barolo Cerequio is redolent of black cherry, mocha, espresso, licorice, dried flowers and spice. As always, Chiarlo interprets Cerequio in a pretty rich, deep style. I find the 2021 to have plenty of those qualities, but with a bit more refinement and less heaviness than in the past. That’s a very positive development in my view. There’s a lot to like in this dramatic, ample Barolo.

This is balsamic, with a touch of tile, licorice and some wild herbs. The palate is medium- bodied with tight, delineated and succulent fruit, firm tannins and lovely encompassing freshness. Very cohesive and integral.