‘Paolin’ is predominantly (90%) from a relatively cool and elevated vineyard called Basarin in Neive – a cru renowned for its minerality. The exposure is southerly and vine age an average of 45 years. Fermentation and maceration take place slowly in concrete vats for around 40 days with regular pump-overs, followed by maturation in large Stockinger Slavonian oak for 30 months. It shows a degree of delicacy, no doubt due to the site, with elegant aromas of rose, cherry and sweet spice. Slightly darker fruit characters come through on the palate: blueberry, blackberry and even blackcurrant, but in ’19 these fruits are fresh, well-defined and crunchy. Savoury, cedar-like flavours play a role, and the spiciness of the bouquet is evident and amplified in this year. Tannins are gently firm and there’s a minerality that runs right through the palate and lingers on the finish. The overall balance makes this approachable now, but, of course, being from the 2019 vintage, its best years lie ahead.
Pale ruby. Lifted, bright and fresh with fine savoury crushed raspberry. Elegant and with great freshness and playfulness and fine, long tannins. 17++/20 points. Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com.
