Dried roses, raspberries, flowers and minerals are some of the nuances that emerge from the estate’s 2006 Barbaresco Pajore. Today the wine is a touch linear, but it should fill out quite nicely with another year or two in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. The Dellapiana family owns some of the most highly regarded vineyards in all of Barbaresco. These classically-styled wines fall into the lighter end of the spectrum in the region. I have been tasting the Rizzi Barbarescos now for a number of years and I always come away with the same impression; with a little more care in the vineyards and lower yields these wines could make a significant jump in quality. Importer: Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com

Pajore is a classic expression of Barbaresco with clean and elegant lines and a wonderfully vertical and intense delivery of aromas. The bouquet is generous with tones of forest berry, root beer, tar, licorice, dried pipe tobacco and a touch of bitter almond on the close.——M.L.(9/1/2011)—— 91