“With the history and expertise that comes with this bottle, there isn’t another Nebbiolo like it at this price.” Our Master of Wine, Vanessa Conlin, didn’t mince words in telling us why the 2020 Paitin Starda is one of her favorite under-$25 wines. One of the oldest wineries in the region, Paitin is Barbaresco royalty, producing some of Piedmont’s most recognizable, benchmark bottlings. From a top Barbaresco vineyard classified by Vinous as “outstanding,” this is a stunning value.
Lightly concentrated garnet with a dark core. The wine opens with some air to reveal layers of rose petals, tart cherry, fresh raspberries, truffle salt, and dried mint. The full-bodied palate offers grippy tannins and bold flavors of tart red berries, tobacco, dried orange peel, and petrichor. Packed with flavor and finishing with a lovely sour-cherry acidity. Drink now–2030.