1964 Barbaresco
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Tasting notes
'Excellent [vintage], both for quantity and quality. The harvest extended well into mid November, seemingly endless with grapes still awaiting their turn.' Fully mature tawny with brick rim. Some oxidation is manifesting itself in the glass but otherwise the nose is still surprisingly complex and really expanding in the glass. Dried cherry with hints of orange and a suggestion of dried fruit beautifully balanced by powdery tannins. Concentrated and viscous. Very long and precise. (WS)
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Greg Gregory of Silicon Valley Bank (which had just been rescued by First Citizens Bank of North Carolina) was our host for this special dinner at Press in Napa Valley and managed to produce these two early Gaja Barbarescos from his cellar. This was outshone by the 1961 as it was less youthful and fresh but it improved in the glass and had a certain attractive smokiness about it. Light on its feet. (JR)
‘1961 may have been the greatest vintage of the 1960s but 1964 is remarkable for its balance,’ said Angelo, noting that 1999 and 2004 were similarly notable for their unusual combination of both quality and quantity. This was quite stunning – what a treat for all 200 of us to enjoy a 45-year-old wine in such brilliant condition. So harmonious and velvety, yet still with great freshness. Sweet, mild – a great testament to a winemaking dynasty. (JR)
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.