Gaja - Barbaresco 2021 (750ml)
Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
A brightly jeweled ruby hue the 2021 Barbaresco is super-expressive with loads of wild raspberries that leap from the glass along with notes of strawberries pressed roses fresh orange and violet. As it opens it evens picks up some spice box cigar incense and cherry notes. Crystalline in nature and ripe this next-level red delivers ripe sweet tannins great tension and fresh vibrant acidity without any austerity. A luxury racecar it’s fantastic and possibly the wine of the year. Drink 2025-2055. The Gaja estate was founded in 1859 although it was Angelo Gaja the fourth-generation winemaker of this Barbaresco estate who made the innovations that would help shape the region as it is today. The entire family shares responsibilities across their estates. Great attention is paid to their practice of sustainable and regenerative farming. The latest major development for the estate in Piedmont is a brand new winery exclusively dedicated to their still white wine production in Alta Langa 16 kilometers away from the original estate. It was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Bo who the family have worked with since 1982. The vineyards of Gaia & Rey and Brassica will remain the same but fermentation and production have moved to this location which was completed in time for the 2023 harvest. There is greater biodiversity in Alta Langa compared to Barolo and Barbaresco with 60% of the land being undeveloped land and hazelnut farms and only 40% vineyards compared to Barbaresco which has 80% of the land under vine. For this reason as well as the higher elevations this area is seeing an influx of attention across the region. In 2015 the family purchased 30 hectares of land that had been planted to hazelnut trees at an average elevation of 650 meters which they have converted to vineyard and indigenous plants of the area. Cascina Langa the historical name for the property has soils that are rich in sand and tuff which they believe will be well-suited for adding structure for the white varietals of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also planted several other experimental vines to learn what will work well in the region.
jd
jdWine Spectator: 95 Points
A pretty red elegant and expressive offering strawberry cherry rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely turning more austere with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2048. ?B.S.
