Angelo Gaja

The ruby red Sito Moresco is fresh and fruity. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherries and berries, underpinned by fine spicy notes. The rich taste spreads powerfully with densely woven tannin, mineral in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

Rossj Bass - named after Angelo Gaja's daughter Rossana: Radiant golden yellow, fine bouquet of citrus fruits and meadow flowers with a delicate honey note. Elegant on the palate and of remarkable depth, complexity and length. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep ruby red. Aromatic nose of rose petals, musk, blackcurrant and oak smoke. On the palate, lush and yet very classic of liquorice, small red berries, some coffee beans, then gripping, precise tannin with a fine mineral vein, long. Great ageing potential and a wonderful Nebbiolo from a great vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

Deep Barolo: Ruby red, intense bouquet of ripe berries and fruits, with some tar, on the palate very powerful and very complex of cherries and spices. With an elegant structure and perfectly balanced tannins, it presents itself as an extremely impressive wine. A real Gaja just! SUPERIORE.DE

Alteni di Brassica - its name "alteni", stone walls that border the vineyards and "brassica", a yellow spring flower of the region, does not at all suggest a wallflower. Rather, they are synonymous with the region's first Sauvignon Blanc, which Angelo Gaja has been cultivating since 1983. A highly elegant wine, which convinces with an aromatic bouquet, fine fruit, much depth and beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

Alteni di Brassica - its name "alteni", stone walls that border the vineyards, and "brassica", a yellow spring flower of the region, by no means suggest a wallflower existence. Rather, they are synonymous with the region's first Sauvignon Blanc, which Angelo Gaja has been growing since 1983. A highly elegant wine that convinces with an aromatic bouquet, fine fruit, much depth and beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

Complex and multilayered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. In the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy palate, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby garnet. Opens with emphatic spicy notes of clove, some rose and lots of juicy cherry. Round and supple on the attack, then opens with present, crisp tannin, is very well integrated, final firm pressure and savory." Falstaff

"Fragrant and refined, this opens with heady scents of wild berry, rose petal, camphor and underbrush. Elegantly structured, the polished palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, blood orange and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Gaja 2017 Barbaresco is nuanced and delicate with ever-expanding aromatic intensity that amply fills the balloon of your glass. The wine takes a little while to open fully, and it slowly releases forest berry, powdered licorice, toasted aniseed, spearmint, dried lavender and rosemary essence to build a lasting bouquet. The mouthfeel is streamlined and almost steely, with an extremely linear approach that adds to its length and persistency. The tannins are tucked into the wine's delicate fiber, but you do feel the extra textural firmness of the hot vintage nonetheless. As we have seen in past vintages, more definition is added by a pretty mineral note that is a common thread in these wines from Gaja." Robert Parker

"Glorious aromas of flowers, crushed berries, strawberries and dried herbs. Some tea. Full-bodied and layered with a wonderfully curated, polished tannin structure and backbone. Give it three or four years to soften. Try after 2023." James Suckling

Darmagi Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful dark wine with a lot of varietal character and personality. Black fruits, espresso, grilled herbs and cassis in a rich and dense bouquet. Elegance and harmony on the palate, aromas of leather and a certain earthiness increase the complexity. The tannin already blends into the composition in a highly impressive way today and promises great things for the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"A solid red as always with lots of currant, chocolate and walnut. Full and chewy, savory and dark chocolate. Very pretty tannins." James Suckling

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is beautifully defined by the purity of its cherry fruit, accented by floral, strawberry and mint. Juicy and graceful, with a line of moderate tannins on the extended finish." Wine Spectator

"The Gaja 2018 Barbaresco is a wine of grace and purpose, with an elegant bouquet and a more powerful palate presence. These recent releases from the venerated house of Gaja are some of the most transparent and honest expressions to be found anywhere in the Langa. Some of the flashiness we saw in the past is today replaced by subtle Nebbiolo nuances and finesse, with crushed flowers, coriander, wild berry, smoke, tar and candied orange peel. This shift in character runs parallel to the slow and careful management transition from an older generation to a younger one. This 2018 vintage comes alive in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and the absolutely bright and pristine quality of fruit delivered with such care." Robert Parker

"In 2018 Gaja did not produce any Sorì. All the grapes of San Lorenzo and Tildin have been used for this Barbaresco instead. 'It was a classic vintage, similar to 1991 or 1993,' said Rossana Gaja, 'however with 14% of alcohol.' It was cool and damp, so don't look for concentration, but the refinement and the freshness of this wine packs a punch. Scents of red berries, fresh violets, orange peel, wet slate and soft chocolate are followed by red fruit flavours. It's medium-bodied, loaded with polished tannins and lit up by racy acidity. More stylish than ageworthy, in my experience classic vintages such as this can give stunning results in the near term." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe strawberries with hazelnuts, blood oranges and some coconut. Full-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that nicely form this young red wine. Fresh and delicious aftertaste of berry, cedar, bark and dark chocolate. Ever so subtle, yet powerful and driven at the finish. Very long and intense. Very classical style to it and cooler. This is a blend of seven vineyards including the Costa Russi and Sori Tilden. Approachable now, but better after 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Conteisa - always a top wine - is now crowned with the royal designation Barolo DOCG. Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. Velvety and inviting taste, with a perfect balance of strong fruit, integrated tannins and well-balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2013 Barolo Conteisa is now officially a DOCG wine following years as a Langhe Nebbiolo or IGT wine. The first vintage was 1996 and fruit is sourced from the Cerequio cru in La Morra. This is a classic and coherent expression that is characterized by crunchy fruit flavors and sweet tannins. Fruit came into the winery at very low temperatures and saw slow fermentations. Generally speaking, the 2013 vintage is characterized by slow ripening and a long growing season. This is a balanced and homogenous wine with a softly caressing nature. It offers aromas of citrus, summer fruit and even a touch of watermelon pulp. This wine is usually considered the more immediate of Gaja's two new Barolo wines, yet this vintage surely needs extra time to evolve." Robert Parker

"The 2013 Conteisa is unusually dark and virile in this vintage. Black cherry, smoke, licorice, leather and melted road tar give the Conteisa much of its dark, brooding personality. That impression is reinforced by the wine's imposing tannic structure and overall feel. Conteisa is typically a wine more of finesse than power, but the 2013 vintage seems to have pulled out a more virile expression of this site. I suspect the 2013 is going to need a good few years in the cellar, perhaps more, to be at its very best." Antonio Galloni

"Lots of beautiful aromas of strawberries, cherries, oranges and white chocolate follow through to a full body with a fantastic, dense and chewy mouth feel and a long finish. So precise." James Suckling

"Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Subtle, yet concentrated, red-fruit nose with hints of spice. Elegant, medium-bodied palate weight and fine cherry fruit laced with oak. Not ready yet. Elegant yet powerful." Jancis Robinson

Black fruits, espresso, grilled herbs and cassis in a rich and dense bouquet. Elegance and harmony on the palate, aromas of leather and a certain earthiness increase the complexity. The tannin already blends into the composition in a highly impressive way today and promises great things for the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Darmagi loves a warm vintage. The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Darmagi embraces the summer warmth like a happy sponge. This wine is faithfully true to the variety, with intensely dark fruit followed by dried cassis, exotic spice and green laurel leaf. There is a point of succulent sweetness in the mouth that is uniquely specific to this hot vintage. The wine is seamless and smooth in texture with solid structure on the close. The vines suffered from stripe disease (GLSD). This reduced the capacity of the plant's foliar system. Gaia Gaja tells me they were able to harvest from the healthy parts of the vines to make this beautiful wine." Robert Parker

Gaja's daughter Gaia and grandmother Rey were the inspiration for this wine: Gaia & Rey lies in the glass like golden jewellery and unfolds a balsamic fruit scent of yellow peaches, melon and banana. On the palate, the alcohol component and the use of wood are perfectly tamed by mineral and spicy components. SUPERIORE.DE

Angelo's grandfather spoke of shame when he planted Cabernet Sauvignon on a vineyard. This word (Italian: Darmagi) finally gave the pure Cabernet its name. The result is anything but a disgrace: black fruits, espresso, grilled herbs and cassis in a rich and dense bouquet. Elegance and harmony on the palate, aromas of leather and a certain earthiness increase the complexity. The tannin already blends into the composition in a highly impressive way today and promises great things for the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"You'll find more dark fruit and more freshness here than in many of the other offerings from Gaja, with a dark, deep inky appearance. The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Darmagi is a 100% expression of the grape, whereas past editions saw tiny parts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The fruit comes from a 2.5-hectare vineyard planted in 1978 directly under the town of Barbaresco, setting the stage for an elegant rendition of Cabernet Sauvignon with a fresh and contained style. The wine shows a nice balance between the extraction you get from the grape skins and the rich succulence you get from the pulp inside the berries. In the 2017, you taste more of the skins, and in the 2018, Gaia Gaja comments, you taste more of the pulp. The 2016 offers both, countering each other with precision. Whole grapes are pressed very gently." Robert Parker

Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. Velvety and inviting taste, with a perfect balance of strong fruit, integrated tannins and well-balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich ruby red with a delicate brightening edge. Compact and red berry nose, raspberry and rose hip, then pomegranate, blood orange in the aftertaste. Very smooth palate entrance, extremely elegant, great melt, constant pressure paired with fresh red fruit, crisp tannin, in the final powerful and echoing." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby. Firm yet perfumed and deep with hints of liquorice. Fantastic grip of polished tannins on a succulent raspberry and sour-cherry finish. Poised yet powerful." Jancis Robinson

"The 2015 Barolo Conteisa is intense, with a background chorus of plum, prune, herb, mint and wild cherry. It's a very balanced Barolo. The Cerequio vineyard that provides this fruit often suffers from hail damage because the vineyard is located along the corridor of bad weather that comes over the hill from La Morra. There was some damage in mid-August, but fruit in the 2016 vintage suffered much more extensively in comparison. In fact, so little fruit was saved that Gaia Gaja is pretty sure this wine will not be produced next vintage." Robert Parker

"The 2015 Barolo Conteisa is a heady, exotic wine, and also one of the most complete, alluring Conteisas I have ever tasted. Conteisa is usually a wine of grace and understatement. The 2015, on the other hand, is a bold, sweeping Barolo that saturates the palate with stunning depth and volume. Even with all of its intensity, the 2015 remains vibrant. This is such a complete, harmonious wine." Vinous

"Extremely pure fruit on the nose here with aromas of plums and strawberries and hints of cedar and rose petals, as well as rose stems. Full body. Very tannic and structured, yet polished and refined. Dusty and stony undertones and textures. Drink after 2021." James Suckling

Back then, when Angelo planted a vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon, Angelo's grandfather spoke of a disgrace. This word (Italian: Darmagi) eventually gave the single-varietal Cabernet its name. The result is anything but a disgrace: black fruits, espresso, grilled herbs and cassis in the rich and dense bouquet. Elegance and harmony on the palate, flavors of leather and a certain earthiness increase the complexity. Most imposingly, the tannin already fits into the composition and promises great things for the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Darmagi (Cabernet Sauvignon) is gorgeous. Ample, silky and voluptuous to its core, Darmagi offers tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. Today, the 2017 is all about fruit richness and texture. Readers who prefer to see a full range of Cabernet aromatics should plan on cellaring the 2017 for at least a few years. Hints of blackberry jam, mocha, licorice and spice linger, but more than anything else, the 2017 is all about flamboyance. This is an especially strong vintage." Vinous

Barbaresco by Gaja with floral aromas, notes of bright red fruits, menthol and liquorice. Very clear and full-bodied on the palate, great fruit. Very classically built with remarkable elegance. The tannins are still lively and require some patience. SUPERIORE.DE

"New oak adds vanilla and toast to the expressive cherry and berry fruit in this dense red, presenting a layer of tannins that will require time to integrate. Much better with air, staying fresh, focused and long." Wine Spectator

"In 2012, Gaja didn't bottle his single-vineyard crus because they didn't reach his high quality standards, and many of the grapes from these celebrated vineyards finished in this elegant, firmly structured wine. It opens with enticing aromas of perfumed berry, pressed violet and sweet baking spice. On the palate, a backbone of tightly woven but refined tannins support black cherry, raspberry, white pepper, anise and tobacco. It's rather austere and still in its infancy so give it time to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"So perfumed with black cherry, strawberry and flowers. Tar undertones. Brick, too. Some minerals. Stone fruit. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Barbaresco with clarity and finesse." James Suckling

Barbaresco Costa Russi with a fruity spicy bouquet and a well integrated wood note. On the palate very powerful, excellently structured and with an ethereal expression of dark fruit, smoke, liquorice, tar and menthol. And then the finale, which literally lasts an eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent glowing ruby garnet. Fresh and juicy in fragrance, with red berry expression, very elegant and noble, with fine cherry aromas from fresh to confectioned. Multilayered, with some chocolate and very fine spice. Wide open in the mouth, open, complex and inviting, hardly noticeable wood. Full-bodied on the palate, with great tension, from the racy, firm acidity it finds eloquent to a highly differentiated, chocolaty finish. Despite its high concentration, the Costa Russi shows maximum transparency with fine tannins arranged in close meshes, long and balanced, with excellent freshness in the back aroma. A Clos de la Roche from Nebbiolo." Weinwisser

"The 2013 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a real head-turner. Crystalline and utterly vivid in its expression of Nebbiolo, the 2013 is all class. Stylistically, the Costa Russi is closest to the straight Barbaresco, but it has a little more mid-palate sweetness and density. Bright floral and minty notes add lift on the chiseled, expressive finish. The Costa Russi is the star of the show this year, considering it is the least pedigreed of Gaja's three single-vineyard sites. The 2013 has been stunningly beautiful on the three occasions I have tasted it so far." Antonio Galloni

"Medium ruby color. The class, strength and finesse to this wine are ever present with berry, dark-chocolate and walnut character. Full-bodied, dense and chewy. Very fresh. Chocolate, mango and ripe-strawberry flavors herald a bright finish." James Suckling

"A glorious Nebbiolo nose of cascading damask roses straight from the garden after a heavy rain. On the palate, red plums and mulberry juice are perfumed with freshly turned earth. Of the three crus, this is the most generous, with a looser structure and silky texture. 2013 is a cool vintage and the freshness of the finish is a testament to this. Forthcoming and delicious." Decanter

"The 2013 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a celebration of vineyard site. In the past, this wine was blended with 5% Barbera, but this is no longer the case starting now. For the first time in recent memory, we are tasting a pure expression of Nebbiolo as harvested from the rows of vines in the Costa Russi cru, located directly below Sorì Tildìn at the base of the Barbaresco village. The vines are over 65-years-old and are planted in limestone clay and marl soils. Costa Russi is known for delicate, light-bodied wines that exhibit floral aromas of rose hip and lavender, as well as darker fruit tones at the back. Those qualities are beautifully evident in this vintage. The mouthfeel is characterized by a firm sense of tannic structure that is common to all of Gaja's new releases in the 2013 vintage." Robert Parker

Complex and multilayered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. In the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy palate, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby garnet. Opens with emphatic spicy notes of clove, some rose and lots of juicy cherry. Round and supple on the attack, then opens with present, crisp tannin, is very well integrated, final firm pressure and savory." Falstaff

"Fragrant and refined, this opens with heady scents of wild berry, rose petal, camphor and underbrush. Elegantly structured, the polished palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, blood orange and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Gaja 2017 Barbaresco is nuanced and delicate with ever-expanding aromatic intensity that amply fills the balloon of your glass. The wine takes a little while to open fully, and it slowly releases forest berry, powdered licorice, toasted aniseed, spearmint, dried lavender and rosemary essence to build a lasting bouquet. The mouthfeel is streamlined and almost steely, with an extremely linear approach that adds to its length and persistency. The tannins are tucked into the wine's delicate fiber, but you do feel the extra textural firmness of the hot vintage nonetheless. As we have seen in past vintages, more definition is added by a pretty mineral note that is a common thread in these wines from Gaja." Robert Parker

"Glorious aromas of flowers, crushed berries, strawberries and dried herbs. Some tea. Full-bodied and layered with a wonderfully curated, polished tannin structure and backbone. Give it three or four years to soften. Try after 2023." James Suckling

Sparkling, medium density ruby garnet. Barbaresco Costa Russi with a fruity and spicy bouquet and a well-integrated wood note. On the palate very powerful, excellently structured and with an ethereal expression of dark fruit, smoke, liquorice, tar and menthol. And then the final, which literally takes an eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby grenade with bright rim. Very clear and memorable nose, opens with notes of raspberries and cherries, accompanied by some cloves and ginger. On the palate, a lot of sweet enamel, paired with dense but finely woven tannin, spans a very wide arc, in the final a lot of pressure. Falstaff

"Just mid ruby and a shade deeper than the straight Barbaresco. Very deep and concentrated and complex on the nose. Cherry and raspberry with a savoury edge. The palate is packed with red fruit and bags of fine sandy tannins, but it is all still embryonic. Elegant and poised yet firmly structured. Beautifully balanced. A wine like a sculpture." Jancis Robinson

"Costa Russi is a relatively cool site, and even in this exceptional vintage there's a minty tone on the nose. There are intense raspberry and redcurrant aromas, and a fragrance of roses. The attack is suave but very concentrated, with powerful tannins. This has heft as well as tension, and it's oaky and powerful. It clearly needs time to relinquish its grip but it has underlying intensity of fruit, and terrific length." Decanter

"The 2016 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a very botanical wine in terms of its aromas, with lovely perfumes of rose, elderflower, sambuco and anise seed, along with a touch of glycerine. It then follows up with some sweetness that feels very embracing in this wine. This is the more ephemeral, delicate and floral member of the extended Barbaresco family from Gaja, with a crunchy tannic bite, but nothing too severe. There is a really good vitality and energy to this very expressive wine. Costa Russi remains the smallest of Gaja's single-vineyard wines." Robert Parker

"This delicate red features floral, strawberry, cherry, currant and loamy earth aromas and flavors, showing terrific balance. A line of firm tannins adds support, and the finish is long and expansive." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful dried strawberries, flowers and cedar with hints of tar. Full body, round and rich tannins with lots of cedar, tar and tobacco, as well as a hint of chocolate powder. Lovely, long and caressing finish. Gorgeous again. Better after 2022." James Suckling

"The 2016 Barbaresco Costa Russi is ripe, creamy and enveloping, as it so often is, and yet also preserves the super classic sense of structure that runs through all these wines. In 2016, Costa Russi has an extra touch of mid-palate sweetness that gives the wine its sense of immediacy. Succulent red cherry, rosewater, kirsch, mint and dried flowers meld together in the glass. Soft and sensual, with tons of allure, Costa Russi is another winner from Gaja. Time in the glass brings out the wine's density and tannins, both of which it has in spades." Vinous

Sparkling rich ruby with garnet reflections. Powerful, compact and masculine on the nose with tar, some liquorice and lots of ripe fruit. On the palate wonderfully silky, very dense tannin, rich multi-layered taste and endlessly long. Promises enormous development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby grenade. Very finely drawn notes, lots of ripe fruit, especially plum and raspberry, plus some goji berries, some cloves, looks very polished. Very fine and polished at the beginning and at the end, shows fine tannin in many layers, salty, then firm pressure at the end, flows for a long time". Falstaff

"The great expectations for 2016 are made real in this wine. San Lorenzo is usually extremely youthful in its fruit expression, with an amazing tension of fruit and acidity. The spiciness of oak is still evident here, with a toasty, chocolatey, liquorice character. The tannins are refined with the typical dusty finish of Nebbiolo. This shows great elegance and will develop for decades." Decanter

"Features sweet ripe cherry, plum, eucalyptus, tobacco and spice flavors. The texture is tightly woven and refined, while vibrant acidity drives the long finish. Shows wonderful harmony and the potential for aging." Wine Spectator

"If the Barbaresco Costa Russi expresses itself with purity and grace, the 2016 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo struts out stacked and tall. It has firmer textural support and is not as timid or as withholding as the Costa Russi. The Sorì San Lorenzo site is located closest to the warm air currents that travel down the Tanaro River valley, and this vineyard site is always the first to ripen and be harvested. You get a stronger mineral note here with iron rust, pencil shaving and potting soil intertwined with the primary fruit, showing dazzlingly intricate complexity and depth." Robert Parker

"The 2016 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo is an eternal wine that will need 10-15 years in bottle to truly come around. Sorì San Lorenzo is often a big, virile wine. There is plenty of heft to the 2016, but at the same time, I also find an element of refinement and nuance that Sorì San Lorenzo has rarely, if ever, shown. Black cherry, cloves, menthol, licorice, gravel and incense are some of the many aromas and flavor that meld together in this dramatic and dramatically beautiful Barbaresco from the Gaja family. The Sorì San Lorenzo just explodes on the finish, with an array of aromas, flavors and textures that will leave readers weak at the knees. The 2016 is an outrageously beautiful, vivid wine of real gravitas and power." Vinous

"Glorious aromas of ripe strawberries, cherries and orange peel with flowers and stones and some incense. Full-bodied, dense and powerful with fantastic depth of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes. One of the most structured Sori San Lorenzos in a long time." James Suckling

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is beautifully defined by the purity of its cherry fruit, accented by floral, strawberry and mint. Juicy and graceful, with a line of moderate tannins on the extended finish." Wine Spectator

"The Gaja 2018 Barbaresco is a wine of grace and purpose, with an elegant bouquet and a more powerful palate presence. These recent releases from the venerated house of Gaja are some of the most transparent and honest expressions to be found anywhere in the Langa. Some of the flashiness we saw in the past is today replaced by subtle Nebbiolo nuances and finesse, with crushed flowers, coriander, wild berry, smoke, tar and candied orange peel. This shift in character runs parallel to the slow and careful management transition from an older generation to a younger one. This 2018 vintage comes alive in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and the absolutely bright and pristine quality of fruit delivered with such care." Robert Parker

"In 2018 Gaja did not produce any Sorì. All the grapes of San Lorenzo and Tildin have been used for this Barbaresco instead. 'It was a classic vintage, similar to 1991 or 1993,' said Rossana Gaja, 'however with 14% of alcohol.' It was cool and damp, so don't look for concentration, but the refinement and the freshness of this wine packs a punch. Scents of red berries, fresh violets, orange peel, wet slate and soft chocolate are followed by red fruit flavours. It's medium-bodied, loaded with polished tannins and lit up by racy acidity. More stylish than ageworthy, in my experience classic vintages such as this can give stunning results in the near term." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe strawberries with hazelnuts, blood oranges and some coconut. Full-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that nicely form this young red wine. Fresh and delicious aftertaste of berry, cedar, bark and dark chocolate. Ever so subtle, yet powerful and driven at the finish. Very long and intense. Very classical style to it and cooler. This is a blend of seven vineyards including the Costa Russi and Sori Tilden. Approachable now, but better after 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Barbaresco Costa Russi with a fruity-spicy bouquet and a well-integrated wood note. On the palate very powerful, superbly structured and with an ethereal expression of dark fruit, smoke, licorice, tar and menthol. And then the final that literally lasts an eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Fragrant and engaging nose, notes of blood orange, fresh raspberry and rose petals. Juicy and substantial on the palate, spreads out richly, then opens up with plenty of grippy tannin, lots of pressure on the final, but also still slightly drying." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barbaresco Costa Russi is gorgeous. Dark, layered and wonderfully inviting, the Costa Russi expresses the restrained style of the vintage and yet has terrific depth. Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and star anise build as this sumptuous, classically mid-weight Barbaresco shows of all of its pedigree. The 2017 is a lighter Costa Russi, there is no doubt about that, but this is also the most complete of the three single vineyard Barbarescos." Vinous

"A pretty red with ripe-cherry, strawberry and floral aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and very tight with a creamy, polished palate that goes on for minutes. Very fine and polished tannins. Give this two or three years to come more together." James Suckling

Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Sorì Tildin combines the terroir expression of the Nebbiolo grape with a silky, rich taste full of sensuality and power. Opens with sumptuous, nuanced aromas that lead to an expressive core of ripe red fruit. Focused and refined, with exceptional length and feminine elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling medium dense ruby garnet. Memorable nose with fresh notes of raspberry and cherry, some ginger in the background. Exceedingly polished on the palate, showing plenty of tightly woven tannin with a sweet core, describing a long arc." Falstaff

"Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Brooding richness on the nose and ripe marasca cherry fruit on the palate with just the right dose of supple acidity. Elegant palate weight and intense fruit that is not heavy. Almost aromatic on the finish and with bitter-sweet, fine tannins adding a nice contrast. Quite gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Sori Tildin is a lofty south-facing site located above another of Gaja's three single vineyards, Costa Russi. It shows delightful purity of fruit and fragrance on the nose, with lifted and fresh raspberry aromas. Although suave and velvety on the palate, there are robust and assertive tannins beneath the fruit. This has tension and gravitas, more so than Costa Russi in this vintage. Very long." Decanter

"Extremely perfumed with strawberries, flowers, cherries and hints of ash and tar. Medium to full-bodied with tightness and raciness to the tannins. Polished, too. Very, very persistent. Try after 2022." James Suckling

Sparkling rich ruby with garnet reflections. Powerful, compact and masculine on the nose with tar, some liquorice and lots of ripe fruit. On the palate wonderfully silky, very dense tannin, rich multi-layered taste and endlessly long. Promises enormous development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Full, ripe yet fine nose with plenty of depth. Succulent and elegant palate with generous, sweet-sour cherry fruit and truly animating, crunchy tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, heady wine, the 2017 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo packs a serious punch. Macerated dark cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and spice all build in a potent, rich Barbaresco endowed with tremendous depth and brooding power." Vinous

"This is generally the most austere of the three Gaja single-vineyard wines, and it has also been described as 'wilder'. In this vintage the nose does seem to have more weight than Sori Tildin, with rich raspberry and cherry aromas. It's sumptuous, full-bodied and concentrated, with considerable density and weight. Despite its youthful chewiness, it's still polished and balanced, with a very long finish." Decanter

"The aromas of fresh rose petals are amazing with strawberries and citrus underneath. Full-bodied and layered with a complete, very linear and long finish. It turns tight and very serious at the end. Please give this at least five years to show it’s potential." James Suckling