This is a spectacularly powerful, rich, concentrated wine. The 1996 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra possesses a deep, dark purple color, and a nose of over-ripe plums, cherries, and cassis. Rich and full-bodied, with admirable glycerin, subtle oak, and licorice/floral nuances, it is a large-scaled yet beautifully balanced Barolo to drink between 2004-2018. One of the most gifted winemakers in Piedmont, Domenico Clerico has fashioned this riveting wine from the vineyards surrounding the village of Monforte d'Alba. Clerico utilizes rotary fermenters, and new oak. This a wine of extraordinary richness, amazing aromatics, and a sensual personality that satiates both the hedonistic and intellectual senses. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Tasted from magnum. Shows fabulous fruit on the nose, with raspberry and blackberry, that follows through to rose and other flowers. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Very fresh and bright, yet complex.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Best after 2008. 1,065 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add