Drink Window: 2028-2049
98 Points James Suckling
Stunning depth on the nose of this complex red, showing dried violets and roses, intoxicating balsamic, strawberries, cherries and a distinctive leafy lightness with a whiff of mint. Elegant on the attack, with ripe, velvety and tightly knit tannins. Extracted and savory with refreshing acidity, showing stony minerality and licorice in the very persistent, multilayered finish. March 2026 release. It will last for decades. Drink or hold.
97 Points Kerin O'Keefe
The Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Pajè Riserva is a fantastic expression of the vintage and the cru, starting with its aromas of menthol, raspberry, forest floor and rose. Full-bodied and firmly structured but already delicious, the palate delivers juicy black cherry, truffle, blood orange and licorice accompanied by brooding tannins. More reserved than some of its siblings, it has great intensity and while full of flavor, it isn’t opulent thanks to its great energy and vibrancy.
96 Points Wine Spectator
Mint and menthol aromas mark this opulent red, whose black cherry and blackberry fruit permeates the fleshy texture. Augmented by tar, iron and wild thyme flavors, all backed by a line of dense tannins on the finish. Balanced yet will need time to integrate. Best from 2030 through 2049.
96 Points Vinous
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is deep, dense wine. Strong spice and balsamic notes wrap around a core of dark-toned fruit. A brooding, packed powerhouse, the Pajè needs a number of years to be at its most expressive. This is classic Pajè all way, dialed up to eleven. Time in the glass brings out the wine's complex, dynamic personality and overall breadth.
Winemaker Notes
The color is ruby red. Bouquet of fresh red fruits and herbal hints. The flavor is complex with notes of bright fruit, lively acidity and a pleasant finish.
Pajè Vineyard - "Evergreen"
This vineyard is a small bowl facing South/West and it lies between the village itself and the famous Asili vineyard. However Pajè is slightly lower in altitude and the vineyard is more open to the Tanaro River influence resulting in a cooler microclimate. The soil is limestone with high calcium level. In result the wine combines elegance and complexity with intense tannins and it is never shy in acidity.The latter makes Pajè somehow sharper and brighter in its first years, with lovely youthful fruit and flowery notes, almost minty in cooler vintages. Pajè is particularly attractive after some ageing, when the wine still retains a fruitful and fresh palate. First vintage produced was 1967 as a small commemorative label for the "Cavalieri delTartufo" association. Regular production started from the 1982 vintage.
