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B-21 Top Recommendation
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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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The organic G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Ravera (with fruit from the most sought-after cru in the village of Novello) reveals gorgeous tonality and color. The wine shines bright with dark ruby and garnet gemstone. Healthy Nebbiolo colors like this can be admired across the 2019 vintage. Ravera represents a union of different geologies from Barolo and Castiglione Falletto. The site has shown extraordinary versatility, especially in the face of climate change, to make wines of both strength and elegance. It is softly textured but also strong in fiber, with silky sensations followed by dark fruit and concentration. Ravera has a character all its own, and the operative word here is power.
97 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)
The 2019 Barolo Ravera is redolent of red fruit, mint, chalk, white pepper and orange peel. A Barolo of tension and energy, the 2019 is intensely bright and saline to the core. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. This is an especially taut style, even for Vajra.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2023)
There's plenty of latent fruit in the form of cherry, raspberry and plum, as well as floral, tar, mineral and underbrush flavors, in this graceful and complex red, which is rich, balanced and long, with well-integrated tannins that mingle with the ripe fruit notes. Best from 2027 through 2046. 830 cases made.
96 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (2023)
Aromas of fresh and macerated black cherries mixed with medicinal herbs and dried flowers lift from the glass. The well-structured palate yields a mix of tart raspberries, plums, herbs, mint and savory spices. Firm tannins give the wine a super structure that shows its depth, power and age ability. Drink 2026–2050.
96 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2024)
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