2004 Barbaresco Pajore
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
One of the highlights in this range, the 2004 Barbaresco Pajorè has arrived at a beautiful place where aromatics are starting to soften into the tertiary realm and the tannins have started to soften. At the same time, the Pajorè has become quite delicate with time in bottle without losing its essential breath. As always, the Pajorè is one of the darker wines in the Sottimano range. Its most distinctive element remains an array of spiced/balsamic notes that are such a signature of this great Treiso site.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Barbaresco Pajorè has developed nicely. Tobacco, leather, smoke, incense and spice notes all flesh out in the glass. Stylistically, the 2004 is of course deeply reflective of an era where fermentations were shorter and French oak played a greater role. There is no question today's wines are both more complex and interesting, but all things considered the 2004 has held up well.
Good full, deep red. Aromas of plum, cherry, flowers, tobacco and nutty oak. Less open and lower-toned in the mouth than the Fausoni, with a chocolatey character overshadowing any primary fruits. Finishes with building, slightly astringent tannins. I wanted more verve.
The 2004 Barbaresco Pajorè is a more mineral-driven Barbaresco. Initially, it comes across as somewhat austere and clenched, but with air dark cherries, spices and violets emerge from this compelling wine. this is a big, structured Barbaresco with superb concentration and a fin ish that lasts forever. It will require bottle age, but will amply reward those who are patient enough to wait.