Domenico Clerico

In contrast to the past, this full and fragrant Barbera is now aged to a greater extent in large oak barrels - and less in barriques. This benefits the softness, fruitiness and suppleness of this beautiful wine. Tre Vigne means that the grapes come in equal parts from the top sites Mosconi, Ginestra and San Pietro. Deep dark ruby red. In the bouquet fine scent of sour cherries and violets, in the full and soft taste a pleasantly fresh acidity which refines the long drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Concentrated violet crimson. Lifted fresh black fruit with more than a hint of oak. Succulent blackberry fruit. Fine tannins. Supple and long." Jancis Robinson

"The Domenico Clerico 2017 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne is a dark and exuberant wine with thick layers of blackberry and plum. The 2017 vintage is all about intensity and roundness, showing a quality of fruit that is ripe for sure, but is also nuanced, measured and cautious. The longer I kept my nose in the glass, I found a point of raisin or dried prune (that is typical of this vintage), but those ripe tones felt natural, not forced or pushed in any way. Fruit comes from three sites with different exposures: the west-facing San Pietro vineyard, northeast-facing Ginestra and south-facing Ciabot Mentin." Robert Parker

In the bouquet berries, liquorice and deep red fruits. Super structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and clerico pleasure without waiting for further maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Domenico Clerico 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo Capismee is a light and fresh expression with a name that translates loosely as "do you understand me?" Capismee begs you to understand the fundamentals of the grape that are present in simple, bullet-point fashion, starting with vibrant fruit intensity, frankness and easy-drinking appeal. That message is received loud and clear. Winemaking takes place in stainless steel, and starting with this vintage, some amphorae is also used. Fruit comes exclusively from the San Pietro cru." Robert Parker

A strongly Nebbiolo variant of a Langhe Rosso and thus in the appearance of a Barolo with the discreetly juicy and fruity component of the Barbera grape. In the bouquet some cherry and blueberry, then autumn leaves, walnuts and forest soil. In the drink very soft and delicate, the polished tannins make it appear smoother and more accessible than the Nebbiolo dominance would suggest. A wine of great freshness and complexity, with good structure and made for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid to deep ruby. Exuberant oak and fruit nose with the spiciness of Nebbiolo coming through. Rich but not sweet cherry fruit with a minty edge. Bags of concentration." Jancis Robinson

"Really pretty red with soft, fine tannins and pretty red fruit. Citrus undertones. It’s medium-bodied, polished and fruity." James Suckling

Fruits of the forest in the bouquet, in addition ink, tobacco and gentian. The juicy, full taste is supported by velvety tannins of very low astringency and undergoes a great development in the glass that is already inspiring today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, living ruby. In the nose noble wood, liquorice and blackberries, a hint of icing sugar. On the palate red cranberries, juicy acidity, covered with powerful tannin, noticeable wood, discreet drying." Falstaff

"Tasted blind. Lustrous mid ruby. Subdued but with a clear underlying concentration of fruit. Supple and succulent and well balanced. Attractive tannic bite on the long and generous finish, which ends a little racy." Jancis Robinson

"This young Barolo is really savory with dried-fruit, cedar and hot-stone character. Full-bodied, focused and intense. Very long and chewy finish." James Suckling

"This is an extremely elegant and graceful expression with classic Monforte d'Alba characteristics: The wine shows a tight and powerful inner core and the qualities (integrated acidity and tannins) for long cellar aging. You have everything in this one package." Robert Parker

Forest fruits in the bouquet, in addition ink, tobacco and gentian. The juicy, full taste is supported by velvety tannins of only very little astringency and goes through a great development in the glass, which is already inspiring. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Freshness and lift on the nose and with plenty of depth. Just a touch of oak. Lush and fresh palate with a polished, grainy layer of tannins. A wine to drink gallons of." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Barolo is bright, fresh and full of life. Medium in body and perfumed, the straight Barolo will give readers a good idea of the direction the estate is headed in. Light on its feet and nuanced, with good energy, the 2016 is quite attractive. But more than that, it points to a very bright future here." Vinous

"This red is fresh, elegant and underscored by a solid tannic structure. A bit compact midpalate, compressing the black cherry, blackberry, iron, tobacco and spice flavors. Sleek and long, with terrific balance." Wine Spectator

"The classic 2016 Barolo by Domenico Clerico is a generous and full wine that offers a panoramic view of the Nebbiolo grape all in bright Technicolor and with the appropriate intensity. The wine's all-encompassing approach brings many details into focus, including wild cherry, spice, leather and ferrous soil. Fruit is exclusively from Monforte d'Alba, with some from the lower parts of Pajana and Per Cristina and some from the younger vines planted in Ciabot Mentin. This is an elegant expression with the mild oak signature that is an important part of the Clerico playlist. Camphor ash and burnt embers lift lightly as the wine opens in the glass." Robert Parker

"Plums, cured meat and white truffles. Pretty aromas. Full-bodied with chewy, ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish. It’s very structured with lots of ripe tannins and ripe fruit that envelop the phenolics. Solid and real. Give it time to soften and come together. Try after 2023." James Suckling

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruits and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. A shade darker in fruit and deeper than Pajana.  A fine, long-lasting layer of clayey tannins. Vivid acidity. Very complete and a little more muscular than the Pajana, but the whole is truly elegant." Jancis Robinson

" This is a sensational 2014 with such power and finesse. Aromas of dried flowers, dark berries and light earth follow through to a full body, with tight and super polished tannins and a long, long finish." James Suckling

Pajana - the most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Compact nose, shows rich notes of blackberry, dark cherries, in the background some cinchona bark. Explodes formally on the palate, much ripe, present fruit, then opens with much fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous and concentrated ruby. A hint of sweet oak, but very closed on the nose. With aeration the purity of the fruit emerges. Very polished and elegant with fine grainy tannins and great acidity. Very long and elegant." Jancis Robinson

"The 2014 Barolo Pajana is a very pretty that balance the natural richness of this site with the more floral, savory notes that are typical of this cool, late-ripening vintage. Sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, mint, sage and anise add attractive aromatic top notes. Time in the glass brings out redder tonalities of fruit, with shades of pomegranate, blood orange that lead into the super-expressive finish. This is very nicely done." Antonio Galloni

"Extremely floral and bright. Dried lavender and strawberries follow through to a full body with round and juicy tannins. Solid finish. This is structured and powerful." James Suckling

"The Pajana vineyard is known for its loose, sandy soils and red-colored earth, and the 2014 growing season brought cool and wet conditions. This cru is a nice, loyal expression of those Nebbiolo grapes. The 2014 Barolo Pajana is dark and thickly structured, and probably more accessible overall. This wine can be enjoyed in the medium-term, after five years (more or less) of cellar time." Robert Parker

Pajana - the most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a slight garnet edge. Compact nose, reveals rich notes of blackberry, dark cherry, with some china bark in the background. Explodes formally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure.SUPERIORE.DE

"A tough customer, with big, burly tannins dominating any fruit at this stage. Nonetheless, this is not overly astringent, and may just need more time. Fresh and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Domenico Clerico 2015 Barolo Pajana opens to a beautifully saturated color with dark garnet and ruby highlights. Compared to the 2016 vintage that I tasted at the same time, this wine is more robust, structured and deeper. In some cases, I prefer 2016 to 2015, but this is one case in which the warmer vintage ushers forth a special and very attractive level of intensity. The bouquet is layered, multifaceted and fluid. Despite the many adjectives you could use to describe the bouquet, one thing does not change and that is the sheer intensity of this impressive Barolo Pajana." Robert Parker

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruit and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Leather and spice flavors seep around the edges, amplifying the core of cherry and plum in this rich, muscular red. Despite the dense tannins, this is balanced, lingering with an aftertaste of fruit, tobacco and iron." Wine Spectator

"The Domenico Clerico 2015 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is a stunner. Again, having tasted the 2016 and 2015 vintages side by side, my preference is with this vintage, even if just by a hair. I love the depth, the wide-angle approach and the way the wine wraps so softly and comprehensively over the palate. Along with smoke, licorice, dry soil and iron ore, there is a lot of dark fruit here; however, the fruit is vivid and bright, hitting all the high notes of a cellar-worthy Nebbiolo." Robert Parker

Pajana - the most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a slight garnet edge. Compact nose, reveals rich notes of blackberry, dark cherry, with some china bark in the background. Explodes formally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Bright, red fruit with a certain roundness to it. Polished palate of red fruit and firm, but ripe tannins and a wonderful succulent finish with clinging tannins. Firm grip and endless fresh fruit." Jancis Robinson

"The aromas are shy but the flavors are expressive, featuring black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice and tobacco notes. Showing burly tannins, this powerful red will take a little longer to come around." Wine Spectator

"The opulence and intensity is impressive on the nose from the beginning, showing plums, ripe strawberries, mushrooms and smoked meat. It’s full-bodied and chewy with a tight, focused palate of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Compact and tight. Give this time, please. Try after 2023 at least." James Suckling

"The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Pajana draws its fruit from a parcel within the Ginestra cru that was planted in two phases, first in 1971 and again in 1991. It lies 350 meters above sea level and sees looser sandy soils compared to the higher-altitude parts of the vineyard (that delineates Ciabot Mentin). These conditions lead to extra richness and a velvety texture. Pajana is guided by a deep sense of elegance and finesse. The aromas show a smooth succession of cassis, black currant, blood orange, spice, camphor ash and smoke. The wine's length is what stands out, as you taste those Nebbiolo characteristics for many long minutes." Robert Parker

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruit and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in the complex taste, deep and long in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthful mid ruby. At first a little muted on the nose. Energetic red fruit over a massive, finely chiselled layer of tannins. Fragrant finish that is endlessly changing from succulent fruit to massive tannins and back again. Complete." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is a bold, generous wine. Expressive balsamic overtones and searing tannins give this brooding Barolo plenty of Ginestra bite. Time in the glass brings out red fruit, blood orange and mint nuances. The 2016 has good aromatic energy but the finish feels a bit compact and smothered by oak." Vinous

"A supple, luscious red, packed with cherry, black currant and violet flavors, showing light accents of tar, iron and wild herbs. This is backed by a dense structure, yet remains beautifully integrated, even at this youthful stage. Excellent length. Offers fine purity and harmony overall." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely perfumed with dried flowers, dark fruit, black mushrooms and roasted meat. Full-bodied and very powerful with intensely rich tannins that show polish and strength. It’s very long and chewy, yet linear and tight. Needs time to soften, but what potential here! Drink from 2024 and onwards." James Suckling

"The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Ciabot Mentin opens to fleshy floral aromas with lilac and dried lavender that cede to wild berry, cherry and candied orange skin. You don't get much of the tar or asphalt-like tones that you often see with Nebbiolo. Instead, the wine reveals bright primary fruit and delicate, ethereal complexity. The effect is smooth, refined and silky. The Ciabot Mentin vineyard is located within the Ginestra cru and represents the top part of the hill, with fruit planted at 410 meters above sea level. This vineyard was established in 1978. Like the other Clerico Baroli, it ages in both barrique (for eight months) and botte (for one year), and the overall oak imprint is reduced compared to past vintages." Robert Parker

Percristina is only produced in the best years and is only released on the market 10 years after the harvest. The 2010 edition represents like no other the greatness of this Barolo vintage.

Sparkling, rich ruby garnet. Fine bouquet of flowers, raspberries, roses, grilled rosemary and hints of licorice. On the palate it is compact and polished, builds up in many layers, then presents a dense, fine-meshed tannin and spans a terrificarc between fruit, spice and simultaneous juiciness. The final is rich, deep and of endless length. A masterpiece with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby. Beautiful, minty fruit with savoury notes that are from oak, but completely integrated into the wine. Just the beginning of tobacco hints. Ripe, concentrated red fruit that is truly transparent with fine, long, polished tannins. A little vibrant on the finish. Impressive, polished and delicious." Jancis Robinson

"This red is beginning to show signs of maturity, yet remains a youngster. Mellowing aromas of leather, tar, spice and macerated fruit are offset by youthful exuberance, vibrant acidity and dense, monolithic tannins. Finds a nice equilibrium in the end, with a long finish. Be patient." Wine Spectator

"Here's a very special treat. The Domenico Clerico 2010 Barolo Per Cristina has the magic touch. With the benefit of 10 years since the harvest (with 18 months in barrique, three years in botte and five years in bottle), it offers a unique tasting experience that takes you down the proverbial rabbit hole of Nebbiolo nuances, with shifting flavors and intensity. I did not find this wine to be at all mature or oxidized, indeed I admire the brightness and freshness of its primary aromas that are very much intact and appear younger than their real age. You get dark cherry, fig, spice, tar and earth. The tannins are tucked into the silky fiber of the wine, and although you can sense that some of that power comes from the aging, the oak tannins are elegantly integrated. Per Cristina is located in the Mosconi cru with vines planted in 1968 at 240 to 280 meters above sea level. It is the estate's oldest vineyard, and the vines are known to produce small berries and concentrated fruit flavors. This Barolo was not made in 2009, and this vintage counts a mere 3,000 bottles." Robert Parker

"This shows ethereal quality with dark fruit, dried flowers, tar, wet earth and fresh mushrooms and then cedar wood. The palate is full-bodied, yet the quality of the intense tannins are so polished and very, very long. Superb. Goes on and on and on. Crystal clear. Held in bottle at the winery until now. Try after 2024, but just a joy to taste as a young wine. Only 2,000 bottles made." James Suckling