Wine of the Day: Paitin ‘Sori Paitin’ Barbaresco 2012 9-21-16

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sori Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2012 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 special

Paitin 'Sori Paitin' Barbaresco 2012

Paitin ‘Sori Paitin’ Barbaresco 2012

Few finer things can interrupt a workday than a visit by Giovanni Pasquero Elia, whose family owns Paitin, producers of fine Barbaresco. We tasted five reds, and the 2012 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin stood out like the Alps on a clear winter morning. The concentrated yet elegant nose of pomegranate, spice, and cherries deserved a little extra time to savor, and then the supple tannins and delightfully long finish inspired dreams of a five-course northern Italian meal… This wine drinks deliciously today, but would cellar just fine, too. Aromas of  Barbaresco continue to saturate my palate. Grazie, Paitin! – Daniel

Antonio Galloni 93 points “Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, mint and leather are some of the notes that emerge from the 2012 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin. The Sorì Paitin is quite a bit more complex than it was from barrel, largely because the bottled wine is composed of approximately 30% wine that was originally destined for the Vecchie Vigne. As a result, this is one of the few 2012s I tasted that has real upside potential, even if it is relatively approachable today.”

Don’t miss this, either: the 2011 Paitin Serra Barbaresco. Antonio Galloni calls 2011 “a rare vintage in which Barbaresco outperforms neighboring Barolo.”

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($41.95) Buy Now: $31.90 special

Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich and velvety, yet also vibrant and complex, this red boasts floral, berry, anise, leather and mineral flavors. Harmonious, this turns slightly chewy in texture on the lingering finish. Best from 2017 through 2027. 1,000 cases made.” WS

Antonio Galloni 93 points “Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, spices and mint race across the palate in the 2011 Barbaresco Serra. This is one of the most intense, tannic 2011 Barbarescos readers will come across. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2011 is going to need considerable patience. Hints of sweet tobacco, mint and anise add nuance on the layered, super-expressive finish. The 2011 Serra spent two years in 50-hectoliter casks.” AG