B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Sourced from a Piedmont vintage described as “stellar” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these outstanding 2019 G.D. Vajra Barolo selections come from the region’s “most interesting portfolio of wines” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, all built to reward patient cellaring with a thrilling, long-lived evolution and offered at a range of stellar value prices.
With a family history in the region dating back to the late 1800’s, the pioneering Aldo Vaira and his wife Milena established GD Vajra in 1972, naming it after his father Giuseppe Domenico using the original spelling of the family’s name despite the letter “J” being banned from the Italian alphabet during Mussolini’s tenure. Acquiring the first organic certification in the region in the 1970’s, the 40-hectare estate includes parcels in the region’s top Crus, its 4.79 hectares of vineyards in Bricco delle Viole originally planted by Aldo’s grandfather in 1949. Sourced from across their Barolo vineyards, the radiant 94 pt. 2019 Vajra Barolo Albe is “gentle and understated with lovely precision” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, named for the sunrises (Albe in Italian) at the high elevation sites and an enticing introduction to Vajra’s signature style to be enjoyed over the next decade. From a newer vineyard in the steep Coste di Rose Cru, the lush 95 pt. 2019 Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose offers fragrant, silky fruit revealing the Cru’s signature aromatics of wild mint from its unique sandstone soils, with “nicely balanced” tannins according to Antonio Galloni that will continue to evolve for over a decade. Described as “seriously impressive” by critic Galloni, the powerful 97 pt. 2019 Vajra Barolo Ravera comes from a half hectare parcel planted in the red iron oxide soils of the amphitheater-shaped Ravera Cru, reflecting the Cru's signature depth and elegance with precise, saline-tinged acidity and lush, layered tannins that will evolve over the next two decades. From the highest of the region’s historical vineyards and closest to the Alps, the refined 97 pt. 2019 Vajra Bricco delle Viole is “a juicy Barolo, with vibrant acidity” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson offering bright floral aromatics and subtle minerality with a profound, velvety finish and poised to reveal its rich complexity over the next twenty or more years.
Describing the 2019 vintage as “exemplary” while acknowledging its lower yields, the Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson offered readers this advice, “it’s wise to buy your favorites early,” these highly rated GD Vajra selections earning a spot at the top of every Barolo lover’s list and value priced for stocking the cellar.
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