2005 Barolo Ciabot Mentin

I still remember tasting Domenico Clerico's 2005 Barolos in the old tasting room, a place that is filled with many memories of amazing tastings over the years. The 2005s are mostly worthy follow up to the stellar 2004s. The wines are rich, super-concentrated and powerful. Readers might want to give the 2005s a bit more time in the cellar, but I would be concerned with the fruit drying out and would prefer to drink the wines on the younger side, but opened well in advance. I tasted the 2005s twice, one at the winery and on a second occasion in my office with bottles purchased on release. Bottles from my cellar were in far better shape than those from the winery. The only 2005 that is not impressive is the Percristina, which is totally covered by French oak. I had hoped that wine would one day emerge, as so many wines have here over the years, but it has never happened, and I don't think it ever will.