SOLD OUT! "The 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Ca' Veja is a gorgeous introduction to the vintage at Paitin. Think of it as a Barbaresco-level wine at a Nebbiolo d'Alba price." - Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media
Mr. Galloni tastes thousands of wines each year and in my humble opinion, his reviews are to be trusted and respected more than any other writer/critic in the game. He rated this one 93 points, and I am offering this "Baby Barbaresco" up at a tremendous price. Act fast on this one folks. It will be gone in a flash, and I can't get any more.
2018 Paitin Nebbiolo d'Alba 'Ca' Veja'
93 points Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media
SOLD OUT
I have been a longtime admirer of the classically-styled, traditional wines of Paitin, one of the oldest addresses in Barbaresco. Owned and operated by the Pasquero-Elia family since 1796, the winery really came into its own in 1965 when Secondo Pasquero-Elia built a new wine cellar at the property and did a thorough replanting of the vineyards by massale selection. Today, Secondo's sons Giovanni and Silvano carry on the high quality tradition that this estate is known for.
While Paitin's Barbarescos get all the press and deservedly so, it is their "basic" Nebbiolo that really grabbed my attention this vintage. Interestingly enough, Galloni actually rated this wine 3 points higher than Paitin's Barbaresco Serraboella. I can't comment on the Barbaresco, as I haven't tasted it yet, but I can attest to the righteousness of their Nebbiolo Ca' Veja.
It is one of the top 2 or 3 Nebbiolo values I've encountered in my 20+ year wine career. 100% Nebbiolo from Paitin's certified organic Ca' Veja Vineyard in the southern reaches of Alba, the wine is fermented and macerated for 3 to 6 weeks in stainless steel. After fermentation is complete, the wine is moved into very old and large Slavonian oak casks for 18 months of aging.
I'm sure you want to know two things about this wine. What's it taste like and will it age? It tastes incredibly fine and yes, this wine will definitely age, but I'm gonna' have trouble keeping my hands off of it. Gorgeous notes of ripe raspberry, cherry liqueur, violet, cedar, and roasted herbs waft out of the glass. The palate is equally notable and charming, with a wonderful richness balanced by Nebbiolo's natural tannin and acidity.
Galloni was equally impressed with this one. "Freshly cut flowers, mint, lavender and red/purplish berry fruit give this bright, effusive Nebbiolo tons of charm. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. Sandy soils yield a Nebbiolo with striking aromatic presence. The 2018 spent 18 months in cask. Drink now - 2033."
Really good "stuff" is not made in large quantities, and that is definitely the case here. Just 350 cases of this were made, and only 100 of those made it to the US. Needless to say, once those 7 cases (84 bottles) are gone, I won't be able to get any more of this one.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville