2008 Barbaresco Pajore

Mid ruby. Heady, tarry, minerals on the nose. Juicy, almost bloody on the palate. Very dry and dusty and youthful. (JR)

Southwest-facing slope at 420 m. Limestone and very hard to work the soil. Much less open than the Fausoni and darker coloured thanks to the limestone. Deep garnet. Darker, spicier than the Fausoni with tobacco more than roses. But it is still fragrant and opens up to orange blossom and tea leaf and still some red fruit and even liquorice. ('Like Serralunga – tannins are mineral.') Even though there is this very fine corset of tannins, there's mouthwatering freshness. Such fine dry elegance. (JH)

(6.5 grams per liter acidity): Bright, deep red. Precise, high-pitched nose and palate offer excellent spicy lift to the aromas of raspberry, sour cherry, minerals, mint and wild herbs. Dense and primary, with terrific energy and thrust accentuating the impression of purity and sharp definition. Wonderfully vibrant and true to its terroir . Builds spectacularly on the very long finish, making the tannins of the 2009 version seem almost dry. Leaves perfumed wild herbs and mint in the empty glass. This wine tends to be austere in its youth, but the high quality of this vintage is plain to see today.