2003 Costa Russi
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Tasting notes
Developing mid ruby with bricky tinges. Lovely concentrated cherry nose with hints of undergrowth, liquorice, laurel and iron. Very untypical for such a hot year. Supple palate without any signs of singed fruit, but with very powerful tannins dominating the concentrated finish. (WS)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Black cherry, a little peep of perfume on the nose and a touch of cedar too. Powerful tannins and big fruit that fades fast, leaving a dry, savoury finish of pencil shaving and dried spices. No surprises that this should be laid down for some time to tame the tannin and develop the bouquet. (RH)
Good full, deep red. Strawberry and raspberry fruit aromas lifted by a floral element that's rare for this hot year. Supple and silky in the mouth, with red fruit flavors complicated by flowers and minerals. Doesn't offer the lift or complexity of a more classic year, but finishes long and sweet, with rather fine tannins and lingering fresh fruit.
The 2003 Costa Russi is a noticeably bigger and more powerful wine. Although it is less expressive in its aromatics, it shows greater palate presence, with suggestions of super-ripe black cherries, tobacco and earthiness on a full-bodied frame with notable depth and a concentrated yet open-knit personality. It offers excellent balance, yet the hard tannins of the vintage are most penalizing in the Costa Russi and this wine comes across as somewhat heavy and ponderous in style, lacking the characteristic elegance of Gaja's best wines.
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.