2019 Barbaresco

Given the calibre of the fruit in this wine – with grapes from all three of Gaja’s top single-vineyards, Sorí Tildin, Sorí San Lorenzo and Costa Russi all included in this vintage – it’s no surprise that it is exceptional. Violet perfume lifts from the glass, the scent layered over swathes of bright red cherry fruit. There are notes of smoke and spice from time in oak (12 months prior to blending, and another 12 afterwards to marry), but the wine offers incredible purity of fruit and gorgeous elegance – silken and effortless on the palate with its crunch of tart red fruit. The acidity is bright, with an almost mandarin bite, making the mouth water and off-setting the layering of super-fine tannins. The finish is saline and savoury, with an almost iodine edge. Vibrant, pure and with a suppleness typical of Nebbiolo in Barbaresco – this is very fine.