Michele Chiarlo sources its Nebbiolo for this cuvée front the 1ha Asili vineyard which sits at 210 - 270m asl on greyish-white calcareous marl with bands of veins of sand running through it, rich in minerals among which magnesium and manganese predominate.
An ample and (as the winery describes it) ‘aristocratic’ wine with a nose of dried rose petals, red fruits, minerals and spice. The palate is structural, elegant and marked with a distinct minerality, a dense texture and fine tannins.
Among the most recognised areas of Barbaresco, in the 1900s all of Faset belonged the Conti Cocito di Neive, while now it is divided between various owners. The south-facing vineyards form a large and steep slope, with the west side facing towards the Tanaro River. The parcel from which the Barbaresco Faset is produced is part of a vineyard which extends for approximately 3 hectares and makes up part of the Cascina Cabanet.
Woodland berry, eucalyptus and blue flower aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather and underbrush. Savory and juicy, the palate offers fleshy raspberry, Morello cherry and baking spice alongside a hint of game.
94 points, Kerin O'Keefe (October 2020)
The Michele Chiarlo 2017 Barbaresco Faset offers an extra level of intensity and balance. The bouquet shows wild berry and cassis with polished background tones of tar, smoke and dark spice. This is a silky expression of the grape that boasts a long and satisfying finish. Put this wine aside for another three to five years to give it more time for integration and balance.
94 points, Wine Advocate (October 2020)
A full-bodied, rich Barbaresco with lots of fruit and tannins, as well as new wood. It’s big and rich. It needs three or four years to come together.
92 points, JamesSuckling.com (June 2020)
The 2017 Barbaresco Faset is another terrific wine from Chiarlo. Ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit. The 2017 is forward and juicy yet also remains light on its feet and supremely gracious. I would prefer to drink the 2017 over the next decade or so, although I have my doubts many bottles will be around by then, as the 2017 is absolutely irresistible right now.
94 points, Vinous (October 2020)
