The 2016 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Riserva is a noteworthy expression of Nebbiolo from the renowned Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy. Known for its elegant structure and impressive aging potential, this wine has garnered high praise from several esteemed reviewers.
Decanter awarded this wine a stellar 97 points, emphasizing its complex aroma profile and structured palate. They noted, "Dried flowers, red berry baked tarts, rose petals, patisserie elements. Clean, clear and sharp, this is focussed and amazingly taught on the palate. Tannins are present and firm giving the linearity to this - the straight core that drives the wine forward." They further remarked on the wine's "sophisticated and oh so charming" nature, highlighting its mouthwatering acidity and "scintillating tension."
James Suckling also praised the wine, giving it 95 points. He described the bouquet as having "dried red fruit, cherry chocolate, bergamot and bark with hints of citrus blossom and dry earth." Suckling highlighted its "polished and refined" character, with a "compact tannin structure" and "savory nuances to the fruit character" that promise further aging potential.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the 2016 Cerequio Riserva at 95 points, describing it as a full-bodied wine with rich fruit weight and spicy oak tannins. They noted that the wine is "still young but is not too far away from its prime drinking window," with "aromas of dried fruit and pressed rose that follow a long, polished mouthfeel."
Vinous provided a slightly lower score of 91 points but still recognized the wine's intensity and power. Their review mentioned that the wine is "a powerful, dense wine" with strong oak presence, highlighting "black fruit, mocha, leather, incense and cloves" that bring out the darker side of the Cerequio vineyard.
In summary, the 2016 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Riserva is a finely crafted Nebbiolo with a complex bouquet and a well-structured palate. With excellent reviews from Decanter, James Suckling, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, it stands as a sophisticated and age-worthy Barolo from a reputable producer.
