2001 Clerico, Giabot Mentin Ginestra, Barolo, Piemonte, Italy

(Decanted for four hours) Ultra modern wine with little Barolo resemblance – the nose is covered with new oak, bringing a load of blood, tar, black fruits and herbs sprinkled with pepper. Not a charmer and even worse is the muddy profile where nothing stands out and where every component is covered with the new oak. The taste is better if you concentrate on what potential it might have and knowing how elegant these Clerico wines can be. Bold, tannic, and long - now you can sense it’s a Barolo with the mouth drying totally out. However I will have to take notice of the disappointing nose, even if I might rate it 5-8 points higher in 10 years time, where I will open a new bottle. (87+)