The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Paje (with only 6,423 bottles released) shows contoured lines and elegant sharpness, with cherry and cassis that segue to smoke, tar and licorice. This wine is beautifully pristine and targeted in terms of its aromatic delivery. Nothing falls by the wayside. That neat, tucked-in personality also distinguishes the wine in terms of mouthfeel, with firm structure, tannins and taut fruit tension. Paje shows exceptionally well in this vintage. The Basso and Giordano family vineyards supply the fruit in this Riserva.