Michele Chiarlo, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2012

 Chiarlo owns about 3-acres of vines in the heart of Cannubi, arguably Barolo’s most famous vineyard.  From it, they make a sensational wine. Their 2012 Cannubi combines power and elegance, just as the textbooks say.  Its wonderful aromatics and intriguing tar-like character make for an unusual pairing, but the combination is captivating and keeps you coming back for another look.  The tannins are firm, not aggressive, and refined.  More muscular and denser than their Cerequio, this wine would benefit from at least a decade of bottle aging.