2021 Barolo, Vigna Pajana, Renzo Seghesio, Piedmont, Italy

Having purchased fruit from Cascina Pajana since 1986, Renzo Seghesio acquired the 7-hectare plot 10 years later and within that added the crowning jewel to their holdings, a 1.3-hectare parcel of south-east facing, old-vine Vigna Pajana. The soils here are the same Lequio formation as that of Serralunga d’Alba (which it faces to the east). The raspberry and red cherry profile has a crystalline purity with cool, blue-toned fruit, dried rose, liquorice and sweet botanical notes adding depth and complexity. The mid palate has an effortless, velvety texture before the sturdy Serralunga-like structure kicks in. The 2021 Vigna Pajana is exceptional and will improve for decades.

Berry Bros. & Rudd