Roagna Barbaresco Paje Vecchie Viti 2020

The 2020 Roagna Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti is described by Antonio Galloni at Vinous as a truly striking and complete expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco’s most revered vineyards. With vines planted in the 1950s and a rigorous, traditional vinification, this wine delivers exceptional breadth and depth across its entire profile.

On the nose, the wine opens with soaring, captivating aromatics — spice layers, newly tanned leather, menthol, dried herbs, and delicate incense all swirl around a core of deeply hued Nebbiolo fruit. These nuanced scents intertwine beautifully, revealing just how complex and layered this Italian classic can be.

The palate echoes the aromatic intensity with powerful structure and dynamic tension. It’s vibrant and expressive, yet noticeably firm and reserved — the wine is clearly still tightening in on itself after bottling. Galloni specifically notes that the 2020 vintage is not currently showing its full potential in the glass and is likely to remain closed for years as it develops further.

This is a Barbaresco with serious cellaring ambition — readers and collectors are advised not to open bottles anytime soon. The combination of age-worthy tannins, concentrated flavor layers, and aromatic lift suggests that this wine will evolve beautifully over the coming decade or more.

Drink: 2030-2060