Italy

Juicy and fresh, this blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo is a charming, delicious wine from Clerico. There’s the intensity and juicy character you’d expect from 2017, but still with plenty of acidity. Bravo.

The Pajana comes from the Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba, and is undoubtedly a Grand Cru of Barolo, particularly in 2016. Intense on the nose, with notes of tar and rose petal, the palate is structured and intense. This is a viscerally thrilling wine: one with astonishing poise and balance. So long, and so impressive.

The fruit on this Barolo, a selection of the most open barrels, that then goes into large casks, is breathtaking. There’s intensity and purity, with also plenty of fine tannins and loads of energy. This is brilliantly balanced, and so long. Wonderful.

A fresh, open, charming expression of Nebbiolo in 2018. Silky tannins, lively acidity, and notes of rose petal and pomegranate, and plenty of grapefruit pith, too. This is very well put together: a wine you want to drink and drink.

A little more closed today, there’s delicate strawberry fruit on the nose, as well as a pomegranate nose. On the palate there’s a richness, but perfectly balanced by grippy Serralunga tannins and loads of energy. So, so well balanced, but in need of a bit of time.

A great vintage for Barbera, and this is juicy, intense, and very moreish. There’s dark berries and plenty of citrus peel, and a beautifully silky texture. This will age well, too.

The Ciabot Mentin in 2016 is a brooding beauty. Monforte tannins and stunning power and intensity, there’s such a beautiful depth and energy to this wine from the team at Clerico. On the finish is a crushed rock character, and despite its power it’s never overbearing. A lesson in balance.

Very powerful and intense, just 2,500 bottles were produced of this. Lots of balsamic and wild herbs, and there’s also plenty of fresh acidity keeping it focussed. Very long on the finish. Impressive.