Ceretto : Barolo 2018

The organic 2018 Barolo falls in line with vintage expectations with a very smooth, silky personality that caresses the palate. Dark rose, cherry and licorice give way to a polished, mid-weight palate.

A round red, boasting plum, cherry, mint, iron and tar flavors. The tannins are firm but already meld nicely at this young stage, leaving room for an aftertaste of fruit, savory, earth and mineral notes on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2040. 1,736 cases imported.

Made with fruit from Zonchera, Gabutti, and younger parcels in other vineyards, the 2018 Barolo displays inviting—if slightly simple—aromas of strawberries, redcurrants and botanical herbs. It's made in the delicate, approachable style of the vintage and offers good balance between plump red fruit, linear acidity and fine tannins. Fermentation occurs with selected yeasts.

Very floral and already attractive on the nose. Bright, clean fruit on the palate with medium body, dusty and fine tannins, and a chewy finish. Solid and age-worthy. From organically grown grapes. Very well made for the vintage. Best after 2024.

On the nose, the 2018 Ceretto Barolo is sweet, creamy, slightly earthy and aromatic. The aromas are very charming but a little sotto voce, or understated. The tannins are very pleasing—they are firm, assertive, yet beautifully fine‑textured—but there is just a lack of some concentration in the middle. Perhaps requiring a bit more depth and ripeness of fruit to take it to another level, this is still a charming and refined wine.

Aromas of French oak, coconut and culinary spice carry over to the linear palate along with unripe cherry and bright acidity. It's rather light on its feet, with dusty tannins that leave an astringent, drying finish. Drink 2023–2028.