The 2018 Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cerequio is a distinguished red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape, originating from the Piedmont region's Barolo sub-region in Italy. Specifically hailing from the La Morra appellation's Cerequio vineyard, this wine stands out with its complex and expressive character.
Decanter, in its February 2022 review, awarded this wine an impressive score of 96 points, praising its "extremely expressive nose" with "nuanced cherry and raspberry aromas" and delicate hints of rose, caramel, and cola. The palate is described as having a "crystalline texture and purity of flavour," featuring a mix of juicy red fruits and vibrant tannins that are both "silky" and "velvety." Decanter concludes that this Barolo is a "heady mix" of richness and freshness, with a "cooling, liquorice, mint aspect with soft wood spice and toasty caramel notes."
James Suckling, in October 2022, rated this wine at 93 points, noting its "nice mix of deep, ripe red fruit and oaky spice." He describes it as medium-to-full-bodied with a "robust framework of tannin" and a "richly spiced, fruity finish." Suckling advises that the wine needs time to integrate, suggesting it will be best enjoyed from 2024 onwards.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the wine a high score of 95 points in June 2022. The reviewer highlighted the "pretty lacework of aromas," including smaller berry fruits, crushed stone, and spicy licorice powder. The bouquet is described as "vertical and tight," leading to a precise finish with "etched tannins that grip this Nebbiolo firmly to the palate."
Wine Enthusiast, in September 2022, matched Decanter's high score of 96 points. The review, written by Kerin O’Keefe, emphasizes the "forest berries, underbrush, rose, and menthol aromas" alongside a "stunning combination of structure and finesse." O'Keefe notes the presence of "small red berries, baking spices, and the vineyard's iconic minty accents," framed in silky tannins, and suggests a drinking window from 2025 to 2035.
Wine Spectator, in its February 2023 review, awarded the wine 94 points. The review highlights "enticing cherry and berry flavors, along with floral and underbrush notes," underlined by a mineral element and firm, well-integrated tannins. The texture is described as "supple," with a lingering aftertaste echoing cherry and strawberry fruit. The wine is projected to be at its best from 2026 through 2043, with only 1,000 cases produced and 200 cases imported.
Overall, the 2018 Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cerequio is a highly acclaimed wine, noted for its expressive aromatics, robust structure, and complex flavor profile.