2021 Domenico Clerico Pajana Barolo, Piedmont

A complex and vibrant wine with an enticing nose of Parma violets, dried cherries, strawberries, licorice and a hint of cinnamon. Full-bodied, it shows extracted and velvety tannins despite its youth, with fruit concentration, chewy acidity and an energetic, bracing finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

96 points jamessuckling.com

Domenico Clerico Pajana Barolo is a commanding and luxurious expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barolo’s most revered modernists. Sourced from the Ginestra cru in Monforte d’Alba, the Pajana vineyard sits on steep, south-facing slopes with compact clay-limestone soils, producing a wine that is powerful, structured and deeply perfumed.

Clerico’s approach blends precision viticulture with bold, confident winemaking. The fruit for Pajana is meticulously handpicked, then given a long maceration and aged in French oak barriques, a hallmark of Clerico’s modern style. Yet, despite its richness, the wine never loses sight of varietal purity or place.

On the nose, it opens with layers of black cherry, dried rose, balsamic herbs, menthol and sweet tobacco. The palate is intense yet composed, with ripe dark fruit, cocoa, liquorice and truffle set against a spine of mineral acidity and fine, firm tannins. It’s a Barolo of generosity and length, built for ageing but already expressive with air.

Pair with slow-cooked beef cheeks, porcini risotto, aged Parmigiano or truffle-infused polenta. This is a cellar-worthy Barolo that will evolve beautifully over 15 to 20 years.