The 2013 Barolo Ciabot Mentin shines bright in this tasting of excellent new releases from Domenico Clerico. As with past vintages, this wine is distinguished by the intense inner energy it delivers from deep within and by the unyielding nature of its textural richness. There is muscle power here and determination, and you feel it especially now, in the wine's youth. At the same time, it is blazing to move forward. The wine offers an important sense of longevity that starts with a focused and immediate delivery of dark fruit, spice, tar and smoke. As these aromas continue to emerge from the glass, they become more linear, focused and elongated with time. Barolo Ciabot Mentin offers this magical transformation in this classic vintage.

A beefy style, with a core of cherry, sweet oak and spice flavors tempered by aggressive tannins. Remains long and ends with an impression of sweetness. Best from 2021 through 2036. 450 cases made, 155 cases imported.

The 2013 Barolo Ciabot Mentin packs a serious punch, as wines from this site typically do. Beams of supporting tannin give the 2013 its energetic, vibrant feel. That said, there is more than enough depth in the fruit to balance out the wine's structural elements, at least for the medium term. A rush of black cherry, plum, mocha and licorice builds as this potent Barolo unfurls in the glass.

Aromas of cedar, dark berry and moist earth lead the nose. On the full-bodied palate, fine-grained assertive tannins frame raspberry jam, licorice, espresso and black pepper. Drink 2022-2028.