1988 Sperss
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Tasting notes
Poured from double magnum. Deep ruby with orange rim. Dark fruit with a hint of cardamom skin, and still a little reluctant to fully open up. Real depth. Firm tannins with succulent fruit on the palate. The oak is evident, but intelligently done. Iron fist in a velvet glove. (WS)
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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Angelo Gaja’s Barolo Sperss from the 1988 vintage was added as a last-minute surprise. It enjoyed a very strong showing as it revealed considerable fruit and freshness, both attributes which today are rare in many wines of the vintage.
Consistently one of the reference points for Italian wines, Angelo Gaja has fashioned some spectacular new releases. Gaja's long-time dream of owning vineyards in Barolo has finally been realized. No one who loves his wines will be disappointed with his first two Barolo releases. Moreover, by Gaja's standards, even the price is palatable. The 1988 Barolo-Sperss exhibits a deep color, tremendous extraction of fruit, and soft acids and tannins. It is a backward, unevolved, potentially exceptional wine. Tightly packed, full-bodied, and muscular, its wonderful tar, rose, and black-cherry-scented nose is just beginning to emerge. Drink it between 1995-2010. As evidenced by these wines, Gaja continues to demonstrate his winemaking genius. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY.
Consistently one of the reference points for Italian wines, Angelo Gaja has fashioned some spectacular new releases. Jun 1993, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Gaja has been at the forefront of the Piedmont wine scene for many years and is Barbaresco’s most decorated producer. The winery has received a record number of Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards – the highest accolade from Italy’s leading wine publication.