Michele Chiarlo 2013 Tortoniano Barolo

Tortoniano is named for the tortonian-era soils in which the vines are planted, which contain a high percentage ofmagnesium and manganese. Grape clusters are thinned and harvested up to 15 days later than usual so that the fruitattains higher concentration. Temperatures are strictly controlled during vinification and the wine is aged for two years inlarge oak casks and one year in bottle before release

The beginning of 2013 saw a cold but average winter, with frequent snowfalls and rain which lasted from November toApril. In Spring the temperature fell somewhat, resulting in a delay in the vegetative state. Beautiful and warm days arrivedin June, giving rise to a perfect bud-setting. The onset of ripening began towards the 7th -10th August, where the weatherwas beautiful, with an excellent day/night temperature range and conditions that allowed for a constant ripening with anexcellent development of aromas. Straddling August and September, there were three days of rain, followed by a month ofbeautiful weather. October saw several rainy days. All the grapes arrived at the winery perfectly ripe and healthy. We arevery happy with the quality achieved: rich wines endowed with great freshness and highly marked aromas.

Alcohol: 14%

94 POINTS - "Aromas of leather, dried strawberries and lavender follow through to a full body, ultra-fine tannins and a racy, beautiful finish. Goes on for minutes. Drink in 2019." - James Suckling

93 POINTS - "Lovely scents of rose, violet, perfumed berry, cake spice and a whisper of menthol lead the way on this fragrant red. Savory and precise, the linear luminous palate doles out crushed raspberry, juicy Marasca cherry, licorice and clove. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity and polished tannins. Drink 2020–2028." - Wine Enthusiast

91 POINTS - "This is Michele Chiarlo's entry-level Barolo that sees fruit sourced from the Cerequio cru. The wine is named after the calcareous marl clay soils of sedimentary marine origin that characterize this site. The soils are from the Tortonian period (nine million years ago). The 2013 Barolo Tortoniano reveals a dry and mineral-rich bouquet. Those aromas are enhanced by bright tones of dried raspberry and cherry." - Robert Parker's Wine Advoate

90 POINTS - "Chiarlo's 2013 Barolo is bold and powerful in the glass. Super-ripe dark cherry, smoke, sweet spice, licorice and tobacco give the wine much of its up-front appeal. Although not especially complex, the 2013 will drink well right out of the gate, which makes it an excellent choice for readers who can't cellar wines for the long term. This is an especially succulent, plush style for the year." - Antonio Galloni

The wine shows layered aromas of rose petals, juniper berries and fine spices. On the palate the acidity is balanced and thetannins are silky, leading to a long finish