2016 - Barolo Aeroplanservaj, Domenico Clerico

Aeroplan Servaj or "little airplane" is the affectionate nickname that Domenico's father gave to his young "free spirited" son. The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is tightly wound and nervous at this young stage. The wine needs some coaxing before it relaxes to release wild cherry, candied orange peel, tilled earth and rusty nail. There is some distant sweetness in the primary fruit, but the wine is mostly defined by its very sophisticated, rich, sultry and savory sides. Between these two vintages (2015 and 2016), this wine is poised to ultimately deliver better results once it gets further down its evolutionary track. It delivers impeccable balance and linearity.

The 2016 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is powerful and incisive, with plenty of Serralunga tannin that gives the wine tension. Red cherry and red plum fruit pulse with real energy all the way through to the finish, with a whole range of savory and iron/mineral accents that add complexity. Deceptive in its mid-weight, structure, the 2016 has a lot to offer.