The team at Domenico Clerico has done a terrific job with the 2021 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba. In terms of aromas, it offers comparable intensity, balance and elegance to the other wines at the higher end of the portfolio. The bouquet is beautiful. The difference is that this wine has more approachable tannic grip that is silky and soft and without the nervous quality found in the more expensive wines. This wine is better suited for medium or even near-term drinking. Production is 30,000 bottles and 400 magnums.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2025)
The 2021 Barolo is a medium red color and is expressive on the nose with notes of black raspberries, an inviting floral perfume, sweet spices, and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, it has lovely focus and a balanced profile, with even, ripe tannins and a focused and compact mouthfeel without being heavy in any way. Coming mainly from Ciabot Mentin, it’s a fabulous vintage of this wine that’s going to have a wide window over the next 10-12 years.
93 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2025)
A core of pure cherry is wrapped in notes of iron, tar, eucalyptus and tobacco in this powerful red. Dense, mouthcoating tannins leave their mark on the finish in addition to echoes of fruit and savory elements. Best from 2029 through 2045. 2,660 cases made, 375 cases imported.
92 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Dec 2025)
A super-intense wine with aromas of fresh violets, roses, restrained cherries and pomegranates. The palate shows sweet fruitiness, crisp acidity and chewy, firm yet dynamic tannins. Polished finish. Drink or hold.
92 points, Aldo Fiordelli, James Suckling (Apr 2025)
Clerico’s Monforte village bottling is built around a backbone of Ginestra, taking the highest and lowest plots of the Ciabot Mentin vineyard. It also incorporates east-facing parcels from Mosconi and a pinch from Bussia. Matured in a combination of French oak barriques and larger casks, it launches with cedar and pine-inflected cherry. Glossy and pure, the palate brings dark strawberry into the mix, and confidently extracted tannins boast a supple chew. This is full of glorious youthful vigour, ending on a eucalyptus note.
92 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Jan 2025)