The 2008 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is a little more interesting than the Pajana, but not much. It shows good energy and length, but never seems to truly blossom in the way the best vintages typically do. Flowers, mint, licorice and red berries are woven into the long, saline finish. Today the Ciabot Mentin comes across as compact, austere and lacking fruit. It shows good up-front energy, but then tails off abruptly on the mid-palate. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022

Clerico is no longer using Ginestra on the label as of 2007: a change in the law recognized numerous crus, including Ginestra, but since many other growers use Ginestra on their labels, Clerico decided to name this wine after his own parcel): Medium red. Deeper and richer on the nose than the Pajana, with scents of redcurrant, mocha, dried flowers and earth. Wonderfully deep, layered and sweet; lush but with good limestone lift. This floods the palate with flavor and lingers with exceptional purity and persistence.

Pretty nose of crushed dark fruits and dried lavender follow through to a full body, with chewy yet polished tannins and long structured finish. Racy.