Damliano is alone when it comes to the collection of prime vineyard sites in its farming portfolio. The Damilano 2016 Barolo Cerequio comes from one of the most precious sites in the appellation. This wine offers a linear and sharply focused quality that is one of the main characteristics of Cerequio. I am pleased to find this same quality in most of the other producers who farmed here in 2016. The wine strives for the high tones with pretty cherry and cassis folded into earth and crushed limestone. Cerequio is a protagonist in this magical threesome (Cannubi, Brunate and Cerequio). Only here, the soil is 20% sand, 50% silt and 30% clay. A mere 2,700 bottles hit the market in April 2020.

This is aromatic and expressive, boasting rose, cherry, strawberry, earth and tobacco flavors. Supple yet well-built, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows fine length. Best from 2022 through 2040. 225 cases made, 50 cases imported.

Grilled herb, underbrush, new leather and stewed prune aromas form the nose. The taut palate offers dried cherry, blood orange and ground clove alongside dusty tannins that leave a mouth-drying finish.