2020 Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra
97 Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin shows really great balance in terms of the oak integration. For the first time, the estate has decided to use large oak casks (removing the barrique entirely), and the results are extraordinary. There is a lot of dark fruit, like cranberry and currant, that holds tight and defines the wine throughout. There is black tea and spice, but these tones work with the fruit not against it. It finishes smooth, with glossy tannins, pretty acidity and a much brighter and lighter overall personality. Only 5,000 bottles were made."
96 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com
The wine that initially put Domenico Clerico on the map with its debut 1982 vintage, the compelling 2020 Ciabot Mentin has aromas of ripe red berry, blood orange, menthol and oak-driven spice. The aromas carry over to the savory, enveloping palate along with licorice notes while tightly woven, close-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2028–2035. Abv: 14.5%
96 Decanter
Year by year, Ciabot Mentin shines for its remarkable consistency. This 2020 starts a bit closed, with restrained blood orange, but then an exquisite mix of red cherry, violet, leafy lightness and liquorice depth reveals itself. Graphite dominates the palate, along with a hint of yellow fruits, sustained by lifted acidity and velvety, elegant, super-polished tannins. Aldo Fiordelli
96 Wine Spectator
This red is pure and elegant, with rose, cherry, raspberry and mineral aromas and flavors fused to a firm, vibrant structure. Shows fine intensity and verve, with a long, detailed aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice notes. Best from 2027 through 2046.
95 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
Bright ruby color suggesting youth. It has an extremely floral nose of fresh roses, violets, pomegranate, cherry fruit and soft spices. The medium-bodied palate is soft with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, a bit of vibrancy and a polished finish. A really enjoyable wine, but it needs 10 years of cellaring to develop its potential of complexity. Drink from 2034.
