Barbaresco, Paje, Vecchie Viti, 2016

“A stress free vintage” according to Luca, 2016 was a year marked by cool spring and early summer temperatures; a typically warm and dry July; cooler than average August and a September of hot, sunny days and cool nights, culminating in a typical October harvest of warmth, sunshine and cool nights. The grapes were healthy and offered good levels of tannins, acidity and potential alcohol. The season has played its part in producing an exceptional vintage, and, along with the investment Luca has made in both cellars (most notably two brand new, top of the range, de-stemmers) and his continued rigour in the vineyards, has made for another huge step-change in quality here.