2020 Domenico Clerico Barolo 'Pajana'

96 Points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (April 2024)
The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Pajana (with 5,000 bottles made) shows great balance between dark fruit and integrated spice from increasingly hands-off oak aging. The results are impeccably smooth, and the fruit remains bright, very vibrant. It closes dry with smoky tar and licorice. However, the Pajana holds a big fruit profile, and it carries throughout. The combination of fruit and tannins roll over the palate, making this an important, age-worthy Barolo. These vineyards were planted in 1971 with about half re-planted in 1991. This vintage represents the first time that the Clerico team has worked exclusively with 5,000-liter oak botti, and this important tweak brings beautiful results.

96 Points James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (May 2024)
Pale ruby color and intense floral nose of fresh violets, roses, bergamot-like citrus character, pomegranate and sweet spices. The attack is soft, with velvety tannins on the mid-palate, a full body and crisp, melted acidity. A bit of sternness in the finish with notes of cherry pits. A lot of good matter here. Enjoyable now, but will improve with aging. Optimum drinking at 10 years.

95 Points Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast (September 2024)
The bouquet is quiet yet brimming with potential, offering whispers of wild mint, thyme, and tart red berries beneath a veil of sweet and savory spices. The palate reveals a refined structure, its elegant tannins accentuating dried cherry flavors, while a savory undercurrent hints at complexity to be unlocked by years in the cellar. Drink 2026–2050