2003 Domenico Clerico, Barolo, Ginestra Ciabot Mentin

The 2003 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra is even better than the Pajana, with a superbly well-delineated bouquet and deeply nuanced layers of violets, spices, menthol and sweet dark fruit. It fully captures the essence of Ginestra, one of Barolo's greatest sites, in the rich, ripe style of the vintage. this gorgeous Barolo is only in need of further bottle age after which it should drink beautifully to age 20, perhaps beyond. It is one of the highlights of the vintage. Ciabot Mentin Ginestra is made from higher-altitude plots than Pajana and typically offers more aromatic complexity and detail to the rounder expression that is character istic of Pajana.

Good full red with a hint of amber. Reticent but pure aromas of plum and nuts, with a hint of hard candy and some emerging oak char. Offers a lush texture and sweet red fruit flavors, along with some slightly drying tannins that arrive late. This is quite tannic but gained in sweetness with time in the glass. Will require longer aging than the Pajana to become harmonious.