Domenico Clerico Langhe Arte 2005

wa90ws90

BN#224928

Domenico Clerico

Color: Intense ruby red. Nose: Ample, ethereal, complex, black cherries, plum, liquorice. Flavor: Rich, full-bodied, soft, quite fresh, velvety and ripe tannins, long finish. Serving suggestions: Elaborated meat dishes, aged cheeses.

Wine Spectator

Has aromas of blackberry and milk chocolate, with hints of stems. Full and chewy. Big and structured. Needs bottle age. Nebbiolo and Barbera. Best after 2009. 1,500 cases made.

Score: 90. —James Suckling, December 15, 2007.

Wine Advocate

Clerico’s 2005 Arte (90% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera) is a fresh, vinous wine loaded with violets, dark cherries and spices. Made in a full-bodied, plump style, it is sure to offer much pleasure over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Few producers' wines have given me as much pleasure over the years as those of Domenico Clerico. Based in Monforte, Clerico has been turning out spectacular Barolos since the mid-1980s. I find a spirituality and character in these wines that puts them in a class with few peers. The last few years have seen an evolution in Clerico's philosophy. He has gradually lengthened fermentation times and beginning with his 2005s also backed off the 100% new oak, perhaps the one criticism I have had of some wines in the past.

Score: 90. —Antonio Galloni, October 2007.