Barbaresco Paje Riserva Produttori del Barbaresco 2016 (750ML)

95 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè (with only 6,423 bottles released) shows contoured lines and elegant sharpness, with cherry and cassis that segue to smoke, tar and licorice. This wine is beautifully pristine and targeted in terms of its aromatic delivery. Nothing falls by the wayside. That neat, tucked-in personality also distinguishes the wine in terms of mouthfeel, with firm structure, tannins and taut fruit tension. Pajè shows exceptionally well in this vintage. The Basso and Giordano family vineyards supply the fruit in this Riserva.” 07/21

96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2016 Barbaresco Pajè opens with deeply pitched spice notes that are so alluring. Pliant and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2016 possesses tremendous density and brawn. Blue/purplish fruit, cloves, lavender and menthol infuse this rich, hedonistic Barbaresco with tons of character. The tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer density of the fruit. In a word: impressive.” 10/20

95 points, Bruce Sanderson: Wine Spectator: “Fresh hay, sage and tamarind aromas introduce this juicy red. Flavors of strawberry, cherry and tobacco hold court as the dense structure peeks through the minerally finish. This strikes a nice balance between fleshiness, fruit, acidity and tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043. 830 cases made, 100 cases imported.“ 11/21