Barolo, Ciabot Mentin Ginestra,

Clerico's 2004 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra takes me right back to the tasting room at the old winery, where the beat-up square table was always packed with an enormous number of glasses every time I visited. A majestic wine, the 2004 Ciabot has developed every bit as well as I had hoped it would. Today, the tannins have largely softened, releasing a captivating array of classic Ginestra aromas and flavors, all supported by the tension and precision that are such signature of this site. Sweet red cherries, hard candy, mint, cloves, rose petal and licorice are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Vibrant and sculpted yet nicely mellowed by time, the 2004 has enough energy and freshness to drink well for at least another decade. Today, it is fabulous. I bought a case of the 2004 when it was first released. I tasted a bottle when the wine was delivered and have not delved into the case since then. I will treasure every one of the last remaining ten bottles.