Ca' Rome' Barbaresco Chiaramanti 2016

This red is all about pure cherry, strawberry and rose aromas and flavors, highlighted by hints of eucalyptus, tar and tobacco. Though elegant, a firm backbone of acidity and tannins lends support. Shows fine length and harmony. Best from 2022 through 2040. 330 cases made, 50 cases imported.

The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Chiaramanti is a dark, potent wine. Black cherry, smoke, leather, menthol and spice give the 2016 a feeling of virile intensity. The 2016 is not especially refined, but it sure packs quite a punch. Here in a Riserva version, the Chiaramanti is a powerful, tannic wine that demands cellaring.

The Ca' Rome' 2016 Barbaresco Chiaramanti shows a pretty garnet or ruby color and deep fruit tones of wild cherry, plum and black currant. This is an intense and nicely fleshed out expression of Nebbiolo that offers elegance and power in equal measure. This vintage does not show the tannic astringency that I found in the 2017 vintage (also tasted at the same time), and I much prefer this wine.

Red-skinned berry, leather, balsamic aromas and a toasted note lead the nose. The brawny palate offers Marasca cherry, raspberry jam, vanilla, sage and espresso alongside vigorous acidity and the heat of evident alcohol. Grainy tannins give it a drying, astringent close.