2019 Vajra Bricco delle Viole (1.5L)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

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.

97WA

97V

97WE

96WS #26 Top 100

The last wine poured at my tasting at the winery is the G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Bricco delle Viole. With its high vantage point in the hills west of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is a world apart in terms of soils (with Sant'Agata marl and fossils) and even harvest times. Slow and careful ripening like the kind that characterizes fruit in 2019 renders a very delicate and ethereal expression with floral tones, wild mint and licorice. This organic wine is solid in build and structure. Indeed, Isidoro Vaira remarks that Nebbiolo tannins have changed since the 1970s and 1980s. Because of climate change and stylistic preference, they are more polished and accessible today.

97+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)

The 2019 Barolo Bricco delle Viole offers a beguiling combination of depth and energy. Dark and potent in the glass, yet also quite reticent, the 2019 is going to take a number of years to come around. Black cherry, graphite, crushed rocks, mint, sage and incense all open in the glass, but only with quite a bit of reticence. I especially like the way the 2019 opens up on its resonant, expansive finish, but it remains a decidedly brooding Barolo whose best days are far off in the future.

97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2023)

Lifted aromas of crushed cherries and raspberries mixed with blue violets and savory spice on the nose. Super-fine tannins with crushed chalk; very floral with a bright and lifted palate. Mouth-watering acidity. Alluring, captivating, energetic and precise. Drink 2025–2050.

97 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2024)

A juicy Barolo, with vibrant acidity and a fluid profile that exudes cherry, raspberry, mown hay, mineral and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Tight yet long, with excellent potential. Best from 2027 through 2048.

96 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Jul 2023)

#26 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2023

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