Clerico's 2000 Ciabot Mentin Ginestra has fared better than the Pajana, perhaps owing to the vineyard's more sheltered south-west exposure. Layers of mint, spices and crushed rocks add complexity to the generous fruit. The finish remains vibrant, textured and polished, with a prominent scents of oak that are typical of Clerico's wines during this era. I don't see much upside in the Ciabot, but it should hold for another handful of years. June 2011

Gorgeous ripe fruit with plums, earth, spice and meat aromas and flavors. Full and layered with fantastic depth. A little old school. Holding on well. Drinking nicely. July 2023

Fantastic aromas of cinnamon, violets and blackberries follow through to a full-bodied palate with supersilky tannins and a beautiful long, long finish. All in depth and finesse. A top 2000 Barolo from the 37-acre Ginestra vineyard outside Monforte d'Alba. Best after 2009. 1,250 cases made. –JS

(these vines are 30 to 35 years of age, vs. about 15 to 20 for the Pajana) Medium red. Redcurrant, marzipan, minerals, mocha and coconutty oak on the nose. Plump, sweet and concentrated, with enticing red fruit and tar flavors. Dense and fine-grained but without quite the definition of the best years. Finishes with strong, tooth-coating tannins and a lingering note of dried flowers.