1997 Gaja Langhe Conteisa
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Conteisa offers classic aromas of licorice, melted tar, black cherries, wet stones, and tobacco. It is a full-bodied, unctuously-textured wine of remarkable density and thickness. The tannin is high, but sweet. This brawny offering cuts an immense swath across the palate, but there are no hard edges and all the component parts are pure as well as well-integrated. There are 15,000 bottles of this spectacular wine. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. A genius for sure, Angelo Gaja can not be faulted for what he puts in the bottle. This work of art is worth every cent it will fetch. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby red. Perfumed aromas of black cherry, violet, tar, mint and flowers. Full, sweet and minerally in the mouth, but currently rather folded in on itself and not as velvety as might be desired. Possesses good acidity for the vintage. Huge but even tannins coat the entire mouth.
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.