The 2010 Barbaresco Pajore resonates off every corner of the palate with layers of rich, intense fruit. Here, too, the balance of fruit and tannin is simply masterful. The pure pedigree of the vintage comes through in spades. Pajore is the only Sottimano Barbaresco made from vines in Tre...
The 2010 Barbaresco Pajore resonates off every corner of the palate with layers of rich, intense fruit. Here, too, the balance of fruit and tannin is simply masterful. The pure pedigree of the vintage comes through in spades. Pajore is the only Sottimano Barbaresco made from vines in Treiso (rather than Neive), so it always stands a bit apart from the other wines in their lineup. The 2010 is shaping up to be a jewel. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030.
I can’t say enough good things about the Sottimano family and the work they have done over the years to firmly establish themselves among Barbaresco’s top growers. This is one of the few places in Piedmont where every wine is consistently delicious. The only question is how delicious. In recent years, Andrea Sottimano has worked to give his Barbareschi extended time on the lees in a cold cellar, which also slows down the malos. This distinctly Burgundian approach stands in stark contrast to the way most French oak-aged wines are made in Piedmont, where malos typically follow right after the alcoholic fermentations. I tasted the 2010s just after they were bottled. Readers should take these notes as brief impressions on wines that will continue to come to life with further time in bottle.
93-95 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate