1990 Domenico Clerico Pajana, Barolo DOCG, Italy 750ml

"In 1990 Clerico produced a special cuvee of Barolo called Pajana, from a tiny parcel of vines within the Ginestra vineyard. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% new oak casks. The only evidence of the new oak is some spicy vanillin and smoke in the nose, which should give readers a good idea of this wine's splendid concentration of black and red fruits. Exceptionally long and sweet (because of the great ripeness and tiny yields), the wine's finish lasts for more than a minute. An intoxicating perfume of black fruits, spices, and smoke, with a touch of hickory and licorice makes this a totally profound wine. Drink it over the next 20 years."

"Nicely aromatic and flavorful, with a hard edge of tannin and acidity and a supple core of anise and wild berry flavors that battle the tannins to a standstill on the finish."