Luigi Baudana Di Gd Vajra - Barolo Cerretta 2020 (750ml)
Kerin O'Keefe: 97 Points
The 2020 Cerretta from Luigi Baudana is fantastic. It starts off the with intense aromas of camphor dark culinary spice blue flower and new leather while the delicious palate features ripe raspberry fleshy Morello cherry and layers of star anise ground clove and white pepper. Taut close-grained tannins give it an enveloping texture while a mineral note recalling wet stone lingers on the long finish. Drink 2028?2035. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O?Keefe February 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com
Jeb Dunnuck: 96 Points
A floral perfume of violets takes the lead in the 2020 Barolo Cerretta, which pours a ripe ruby color and reveals aromas of wild candied black raspberries, candied orange, sweet herbs, and licorice. With sweet tannins and a harmonious feel, its more mineral underpinnings come through in the end, with supple, lush tannins and a clean finish. It’s long on the palate but harmonious, with no harsh edges. Drink 2025-2045.
Since 2009, Luigi Baudana has been under the operation and ownership of the G.D. Vajra estate from Barolo. As with the Vajra estate, Giuseppe and Aldo manage the winemaking process, along with Giuseppe’s brother Isidoro, the vineyard manager. They continue to consult with Luigi for his understanding of the land and experience. They primarily use 15- to 17-hectoliter Slavonian barrels for aging, as the size of the cellar dictates. For the Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba bottling, selections are made from the crus of Baudana, Cerretta, and Costabella. With the 2019 vintage, they are now certified organic.
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
A beam of pure cherry leads off along with strawberry licorice tar and menthol flavors. Supple yet firm with terrific balance and a long tightly wound finish revealing fruit mineral and wild scrub notes. This is all about the texture. Best from 2027 through 2045.?B.S.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The Luigi Baudana 2020 Barolo Cerretta has bold lines and shows dominant dark fruit. You get all of that Serralunga d'Alba intensity with ferrous earth dried apricot blackcurrant iron ore and crushed stone. The wine ends on a dry note that is reinforced by the tight nature of the fine chalky tannins but there is enough fruit to soften out the effect. There is a hint of nutmeg or sweet spice on the palate. Published: Apr 04 2024
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2020 Barolo Cerretta is a very complete wine in this vintage. Deep and layered but in the medium-bodied style of the year the 2020 impresses with its balance and overall harmony. Succulent red cherry fruit spice rose petal mint and dried herbs fill out the layers nicely. The substantial finish is quite attractive. (Drink between 2026-2038)
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