2011 Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cerequio
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Barolo Cerequio is another spectacular offering from Michele Chiarlo, a producer who has a knack for making faithfully consistent wines no matter what the vintage conditions. What stands out here is the balance and the intensity of the fruit. Fragrant tones of dark fruit, dried cherry, liquid smoke, cola and licorice emerge from the bouquet in a steady stream. That continuous and unbroken flow of goodness segues to the palate.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
La Morra. Lightish ruby with a wide bricky rim. Some dried red fruits and earthy spice but still has energy. Then on the palate, real energy and a mix of dried and fresh fruits with an extra savoury dimension. Firm, chewy but fine grained. Terrific freshness. Lively and long. (JH)
Barolo. Very dark ruby with bright, orange tinge, like this has already been aged for a bit. Ripe cherry-liqueur nose with exotic spice and a little bit singed. Supple and juicy, but there is this slightly stewed note, which robs it a little of its freshness. (WS)
The 2011 Barolo Cerequio is overpowered by oak and mocha notes that pretty much ensure any vineyard signatures that might have once been present are pretty much covered. Dark red cherry, espresso and spice notes struggle to emerge from a wall of tannin and oak. Cerequio is capable of incredibly refined Barolos. Sadly, there is little of that here.