Barbaresco
Barbaresco, seen as the more elegant counterpart of Barolo, spreads over 763 ha under vines (a third of Barolo’s ha), and is divided into four communes.
The Nebbiolo grape is said to ripen earlier here because of the gentler altitude – up to 450 metres – and the proximity to the Tanaro river. The legal guidelines for ageing reflect this, requiring only 26 months minimum of ageing for Barbaresco compared to 38 months for Barolo. Along with altitude, soil variations are another reason for their flavour differences: Barolo and Barbaresco are both limestone-based soils, but Barbaresco's soil is comparatively younger. Stylistically, Barbaresco is often described as a more elegant version of Barolo but, like its neighbour, its wines can come in a diverse spectrum of styles and are never without energy and power.
Barbaresco
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Piedmont | 5 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£565.72 |
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Vinous (92): Bright medium red. Redcurrant, minerals, graphite, licorice and tobacco on the nose. A step up in depth, sweetness and intensity from the Bernadot, with more volume and a serious spine for aging. This mounts nicely on the back end and finishes with very good flavor impact and energy. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 85 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,526.75 |
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Vinous (85)Ceretto's 2013 Barbaresco Asili is marked by a high level of volatile acidity that totally masks the fruit. This is a perplexing wine that I have a hard time reconciling with the Ceretto style. |
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Piedmont | 4 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£939.95 |
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Vinous (95+)Ceretto's 2016 Barbaresco Asili is another stunningly beautiful wine from Ceretto. Here, too, the wine's energy and tension are simply dazzling. Bright red cherry fruit and floral overtones abound in this taut, crystalline Barbaresco. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, but it is a jewel of a wine. Deceptively in its mid-weight structure, the 2016 packs a serious punch and really sizzles with vibrancy. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,115.52 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Ceretto enjoys a long and close relationship with the Asili cru of Barbaresco. The winery has chosen to fermented these grapes apart since the early 1970s. Their 2017 Barbaresco Asili brings you close to a sense of place. Fruit comes from a 1.3-hectare site with classic Sant'Agata marl soils. Beyond the dark fruit, much of the bouquet recalls crushed stone and iron rust, with other territory-specific aromas that are characteristic of Nebbiolo in its most naked state. You feel a touch of earthiness too, thanks to those slightly looser, open-knit tannins. Shaved truffle, dried blackberry and pressed rose seal the deal. |
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Piedmont | 12 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£763.55 |
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Vinous (94)The 2018 Barbaresco Asili presents terrific energy and verve. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, blood orange, dried flowers and incense are beautifully delineated throughout. In 2018, the Asili is wonderfully translucent and classy. I can't wait to see how it ages. |
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Piedmont | 4 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£693.95 |
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Vinous (95)The 2019 Barbaresco Asili is ample, creamy and resonant. All the signatures of this site come through in a Barbaresco of breadth and resonance. Even so, the 2019 remains light on its feet. There is plenty of depth and persistence, but it is expressed in more of an understated manner. It's a beautiful wine. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£161.15 |
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Wine Enthusiast (95)Lovely aromas of violet, iris and perfumed berry lift out of the glass. Firmly structured and focused, the linear palate shows refinement and finesse, with taut, refined tannins framing juicy red cherry, strawberry compote and star anise. Fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. Best 2029-2039 |
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Piedmont | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£258.80 |
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|
Introducing the exceptional Fontanabianca Barbaresco Bordini 2017. Skilfully crafted in the renowned Barbaresco region of Italy, this noteworthy wine is a true showcase of finesse and pedigree, produced by the esteemed Fontanabianca winery. Grown in the privileged Bordini vineyard, the high-quality Nebbiolo grapes yield a powerfully structured yet harmoniously balanced wine. Aged for 26 months in French oak barrels, the Bordinic displays a seductive bouquet of ripe red fruit intertwined with subtle notes of oriental spices, hinting at the complexity on the palate. Elegant tannins underpin flavours of wild berries, dried rose and liquorice, unveiling layer after layer in a long-lasting and satisfying finish. Due to its exceptional character, it stands superbly on its own, while also harmonising beautifully with hearty meat dishes. The Fontanabianca Barbaresco Bordini 2017 is a great asset to any fine wine collection, promising pleasure for those fortunate enough to savour it. |
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Piedmont | 3 | 96 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£103.72 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (96)Truffle, camphor violet and ripe berry aromas come together on this fragrant red. Full-bodied and full of flavor, the delicious palate doles out juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and star anise while firm, refined tannins provide support. Bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039. |
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Piedmont | 5 | 96 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£311.15 |
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Wine Enthusiast (96)Truffle, camphor violet and ripe berry aromas come together on this fragrant red. Full-bodied and full of flavor, the delicious palate doles out juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and star anise while firm, refined tannins provide support. Bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039. |
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Piedmont | 10 | 96 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£221.15 |
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Wine Enthusiast (96)Aromas of new leather, menthol, licorice and dark-skinned berry shape the nose on this perfumed red. Juicy and savory, the radiant palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and cinnamon set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. It's vibrant, balanced and youthfully tense, with nervous acidity. Drink 2029–2039. |
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Piedmont | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£363.20 |
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Indulge in the vibrant, full-bodied Francesco Versio Barbaresco 2020, an exceptional vintage from the heart of the prestigious Piedmont region of Italy. Produced by the remarkable vintner Francesco Versio, this single vineyard Barbaresco embodies the best of traditional winemaking. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£2,953.90 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Fully evolved and tarry. Really confident. Dry end, tangy, a very pure expression of Nebbiolo. Some luscious fruit. Transparent. |
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Piedmont | 6 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,406.38 |
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Wine Advocate (94)All readers need to do is taste the 2007 Barbaresco to get a sense of the promise the vintage holds at Gaja. Soft and seamless on the palate, the Barbaresco shows wonderful integrity in its fruit in an opulent, yet mid-weight style. Fragrant, perfumed aromatics are woven throughout, while an attractive spiciness develops in the glass. There is incredible depth to the fruit and simply phenomenal overall balance. Readers will not want to miss this Barbaresco; arguably Gaja’s finest since 1997. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. |
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Piedmont | 9 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,401.64 |
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James Suckling (95)Ripe and rich nose of dried strawberries and slice plums. Very sweet fruit on the nose. Hot growing season comes through. Full-bodied, with chewy and rich tannins and a cocoa, ripe berry and round tannin finish. Drinking well now but will age for a long time. |
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Piedmont | 6 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,343.98 |
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James Suckling (95)Extremely perfumed with roses, dark berries, ash, asphalt, and sliced plums. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Orange and lemon peel undertones. Gorgeous finish. Hard not to drink now. A beautiful wine. Drink or hold. But why wait? |
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Piedmont | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,357.55 |
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Vinous (96)The 2013 Barbaresco is fabulous. In fact, this is one of the best Barbarescos I have tasted at Gaja in many years. Vibrant, perfumed and beautifully sculpted in the glass, the 2013 possesses tons of understated intensity. Sweet red cherry, mint, white pepper and anise are all lifted in the glass. The 2013 is an almost shockingly classic Barbaresco from Gaja. The translucent color, vibrant Nebbiolo fruit and austere but noble tannins represent a move towards a much more traditional style. For readers who can find it, the 2013 is simply a must-have wine. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,103.15 |
|||||
Vinous (96)Gaja's 2016 Barbaresco is positively stellar. A wine of poise and grace, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive spice and floral notes open up first, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. There is a sense of translucency to the 2016 that is impossible to miss. Sweet red cherry, mint, cinnamon and rose petal develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. Quite simply, the 2016 is one of the very finest Gaja Barbarescos in recent memory. This is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 95+ (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£968.75 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95+)A pretty, perfumed example of this cuvee, the 2017 Barbaresco offers lots more red fruits as well as spice, dried flowers, incense, and loamy soil. With more licorice and minerality emerging with time in the glass, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, an elegant texture, plenty of firm tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't get more textbook Nebbiolo than this. This classic beauty is going to benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and have 2-3 decades of longevity. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,025.15 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)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. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,056.35 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)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. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 97 (WI) |
Inc. VAT
£1,124.75 |
|||||
The Wine Independent (97)Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco was bottled only a few days before this tasting but it already has sweet roses and red fruits on the nose with very subtle, gentle spice notes. It has a great texture and flows gracefully across the palate. It feels very harmonious with plenty of refreshing acidity and finely integrated tannins. Sublimely elegant with a fine, silt-like texture to the tannins, it is poised, beautifully understated and charming. Keep for 2 years and drink for up to 20 plus. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Piedmont | 5 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£450.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92): Bright medium red. Redcurrant, minerals, graphite, licorice and tobacco on the nose. A step up in depth, sweetness and intensity from the Bernadot, with more volume and a serious spine for aging. This mounts nicely on the back end and finishes with very good flavor impact and energy. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 2 | 85 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,253.00 |
|||||
Vinous (85)Ceretto's 2013 Barbaresco Asili is marked by a high level of volatile acidity that totally masks the fruit. This is a perplexing wine that I have a hard time reconciling with the Ceretto style. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 4 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
£764.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)Ceretto's 2016 Barbaresco Asili is another stunningly beautiful wine from Ceretto. Here, too, the wine's energy and tension are simply dazzling. Bright red cherry fruit and floral overtones abound in this taut, crystalline Barbaresco. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, but it is a jewel of a wine. Deceptively in its mid-weight structure, the 2016 packs a serious punch and really sizzles with vibrancy. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
£911.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (95)Ceretto enjoys a long and close relationship with the Asili cru of Barbaresco. The winery has chosen to fermented these grapes apart since the early 1970s. Their 2017 Barbaresco Asili brings you close to a sense of place. Fruit comes from a 1.3-hectare site with classic Sant'Agata marl soils. Beyond the dark fruit, much of the bouquet recalls crushed stone and iron rust, with other territory-specific aromas that are characteristic of Nebbiolo in its most naked state. You feel a touch of earthiness too, thanks to those slightly looser, open-knit tannins. Shaved truffle, dried blackberry and pressed rose seal the deal. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 12 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£617.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)The 2018 Barbaresco Asili presents terrific energy and verve. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, blood orange, dried flowers and incense are beautifully delineated throughout. In 2018, the Asili is wonderfully translucent and classy. I can't wait to see how it ages. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 4 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£559.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2019 Barbaresco Asili is ample, creamy and resonant. All the signatures of this site come through in a Barbaresco of breadth and resonance. Even so, the 2019 remains light on its feet. There is plenty of depth and persistence, but it is expressed in more of an understated manner. It's a beautiful wine. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 95 (WE) |
In Bond
£115.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (95)Lovely aromas of violet, iris and perfumed berry lift out of the glass. Firmly structured and focused, the linear palate shows refinement and finesse, with taut, refined tannins framing juicy red cherry, strawberry compote and star anise. Fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. Best 2029-2039 |
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|
|
Piedmont | 1 | - |
In Bond
£195.00 |
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|
Introducing the exceptional Fontanabianca Barbaresco Bordini 2017. Skilfully crafted in the renowned Barbaresco region of Italy, this noteworthy wine is a true showcase of finesse and pedigree, produced by the esteemed Fontanabianca winery. Grown in the privileged Bordini vineyard, the high-quality Nebbiolo grapes yield a powerfully structured yet harmoniously balanced wine. Aged for 26 months in French oak barrels, the Bordinic displays a seductive bouquet of ripe red fruit intertwined with subtle notes of oriental spices, hinting at the complexity on the palate. Elegant tannins underpin flavours of wild berries, dried rose and liquorice, unveiling layer after layer in a long-lasting and satisfying finish. Due to its exceptional character, it stands superbly on its own, while also harmonising beautifully with hearty meat dishes. The Fontanabianca Barbaresco Bordini 2017 is a great asset to any fine wine collection, promising pleasure for those fortunate enough to savour it. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 3 | 96 (WE) |
In Bond
£80.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (96)Truffle, camphor violet and ripe berry aromas come together on this fragrant red. Full-bodied and full of flavor, the delicious palate doles out juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and star anise while firm, refined tannins provide support. Bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 5 | 96 (WE) |
In Bond
£240.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (96)Truffle, camphor violet and ripe berry aromas come together on this fragrant red. Full-bodied and full of flavor, the delicious palate doles out juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and star anise while firm, refined tannins provide support. Bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 10 | 96 (WE) |
In Bond
£165.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (96)Aromas of new leather, menthol, licorice and dark-skinned berry shape the nose on this perfumed red. Juicy and savory, the radiant palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and cinnamon set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. It's vibrant, balanced and youthfully tense, with nervous acidity. Drink 2029–2039. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 5 | - |
In Bond
£282.00 |
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Indulge in the vibrant, full-bodied Francesco Versio Barbaresco 2020, an exceptional vintage from the heart of the prestigious Piedmont region of Italy. Produced by the remarkable vintner Francesco Versio, this single vineyard Barbaresco embodies the best of traditional winemaking. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£2,423.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Fully evolved and tarry. Really confident. Dry end, tangy, a very pure expression of Nebbiolo. Some luscious fruit. Transparent. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 6 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,152.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94)All readers need to do is taste the 2007 Barbaresco to get a sense of the promise the vintage holds at Gaja. Soft and seamless on the palate, the Barbaresco shows wonderful integrity in its fruit in an opulent, yet mid-weight style. Fragrant, perfumed aromatics are woven throughout, while an attractive spiciness develops in the glass. There is incredible depth to the fruit and simply phenomenal overall balance. Readers will not want to miss this Barbaresco; arguably Gaja’s finest since 1997. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 9 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,152.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)Ripe and rich nose of dried strawberries and slice plums. Very sweet fruit on the nose. Hot growing season comes through. Full-bodied, with chewy and rich tannins and a cocoa, ripe berry and round tannin finish. Drinking well now but will age for a long time. |
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|
|
Piedmont | 6 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,100.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)Extremely perfumed with roses, dark berries, ash, asphalt, and sliced plums. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Orange and lemon peel undertones. Gorgeous finish. Hard not to drink now. A beautiful wine. Drink or hold. But why wait? |
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|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,112.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2013 Barbaresco is fabulous. In fact, this is one of the best Barbarescos I have tasted at Gaja in many years. Vibrant, perfumed and beautifully sculpted in the glass, the 2013 possesses tons of understated intensity. Sweet red cherry, mint, white pepper and anise are all lifted in the glass. The 2013 is an almost shockingly classic Barbaresco from Gaja. The translucent color, vibrant Nebbiolo fruit and austere but noble tannins represent a move towards a much more traditional style. For readers who can find it, the 2013 is simply a must-have wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£900.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)Gaja's 2016 Barbaresco is positively stellar. A wine of poise and grace, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive spice and floral notes open up first, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. There is a sense of translucency to the 2016 that is impossible to miss. Sweet red cherry, mint, cinnamon and rose petal develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. Quite simply, the 2016 is one of the very finest Gaja Barbarescos in recent memory. This is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 2 | 95+ (JD) |
In Bond
£788.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95+)A pretty, perfumed example of this cuvee, the 2017 Barbaresco offers lots more red fruits as well as spice, dried flowers, incense, and loamy soil. With more licorice and minerality emerging with time in the glass, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, an elegant texture, plenty of firm tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't get more textbook Nebbiolo than this. This classic beauty is going to benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and have 2-3 decades of longevity. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£835.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£861.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Piedmont | 1 | 97 (WI) |
In Bond
£918.00 |
|||||
The Wine Independent (97)Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco was bottled only a few days before this tasting but it already has sweet roses and red fruits on the nose with very subtle, gentle spice notes. It has a great texture and flows gracefully across the palate. It feels very harmonious with plenty of refreshing acidity and finely integrated tannins. Sublimely elegant with a fine, silt-like texture to the tannins, it is poised, beautifully understated and charming. Keep for 2 years and drink for up to 20 plus. |
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