Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 2020

97 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin shows really great balance in terms of the oak integration. For the first time, the estate has decided to use large oak casks (removing the barrique entirely), and the results are extraordinary. There is a lot of dark fruit, like cranberry and currant, that holds tight and defines the wine throughout. There is black tea and spice, but these tones work with the fruit not against it. It finishes smooth, with glossy tannins, pretty acidity and a much brighter and lighter overall personality. Only 5,000 bottles were made. Drink 2026-2045 (Apr 2024)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The wine that initially put Domenico Clerico on the map with its debut 1982 vintage, the compelling 2020 Ciabot Mentin has aromas of ripe red berry, blood orange, menthol and oak-driven spice. The aromas carry over to the savory, enveloping palate along with licorice notes while tightly woven, close-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2028–2035. (Feb 2024)"

96 points & 'Highly Recommended' Wine Spectator: "This red is pure and elegant, with rose, cherry, raspberry and mineral aromas and flavors fused to a firm, vibrant structure. Shows fine intensity and verve, with a long, detailed aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice notes. Best from 2027 through 2046. (Dec 2024)"

96 points Aldo Fiordelli (Decanter): "Year by year, Ciabot Mentin shines for its remarkable consistency. This 2020 starts a bit closed, with restrained blood orange, but then an exquisite mix of red cherry, violet, leafy lightness and liquorice depth reveals itself. Graphite dominates the palate, along with a hint of yellow fruits, sustained by lifted acidity and velvety, elegant, super-polished tannins. Drinking window 2024-2035 (Mar 2024)"

95+ points Luca Gardini: "Cru Ginestra, a refined and multifaceted Barolo. Nose with notes of cherry, touches of wild mint, star anise and rosemary, with hints of clementine peel. The drink has salty tannins, mentholated recalls and officinal scents. Finish with citrus-fruity hints. (Apr 2024)"

95 points Ian d'Agata Wine Review: "A real winner here! This is beautifully balanced, youthfully chew but effusively fruity, with red cherry, vanilla and flowers exploding on the nose and in the mouth. Very long and clean, this offers building minerality on the long back end. Really lovely. Drinking window: 2030-2040. (Nov 2024)"

95 points James Suckling: "Bright ruby color suggesting youth. It has an extremely floral nose of fresh roses, violets, pomegranate, cherry fruit and soft spices. The medium-bodied palate is soft with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, a bit of vibrancy and a polished finish. A really enjoyable wine, but it needs 10 years of cellaring to develop its potential of complexity. Drink from 2034. (May 2024)"

94 points & 'Cellar Selection' Wine Enthusiast: "Initially reserved, the nose gradually reveals ripe berries being prepared for preserving, accompanied by sweet spices, savory herbs, and fresh rose petals. On the palate, this wine is elegant and refined, with exceptionally pure tannins that are well-integrated yet stealthy. The flavors are pure and the warmth of the vintage is on full display through the rich and forward palate. Well-constructed and polished, this is a top-class wine. Drink 2026-2045 (Sep 2024)"