Gaja Gaja Barbaresco 2021 750ml

A brightly jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Barbaresco is super-expressive, with loads of wild raspberries that leap from the glass along with notes of strawberries, pressed roses, fresh orange, and violet. As it opens, it evens picks up some spice box, cigar incense, and cherry notes. Crystalline in nature and ripe, this next-level red delivers ripe, sweet tannins, great tension, and fresh, vibrant acidity, without any austerity. A luxury racecar, it’s fantastic and possibly the wine of the year. Drink 2025-2055.

This was an epic vintage, and the entire Gaja family is ready to sing its praises. The 2021 Barbaresco sets the tone with sweet cherry flavors framed by spice, earthy notes and elegantly sweet tannins. Giovanni Gaja says the 2021 growing season had two phases: the first six months of the year saw rain and cool temperatures with some frost and soggy conditions until May; however, from June forward, the season saw sunny days without excessive heat spikes. Indeed, 2021 marks the beginning of drought years that lasted until 2023. Barbaresco was hit by hail on July 31, 2021, but the Gaja vineyards were unharmed. In line with the character of the vintage, this wine shows succulent fruit that is balanced and not too ripe. There is depth and volume here.

So many aromas of fresh rose petals as well as hibiscus tea. Medium-bodied with crunchy and flowery character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. So appealing with lovely structure. Chewy at the end. Drinkable but better in three or four years. (James Suckling)

A pure embodiment of Nebbiolo's elegance, opening with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, violet petals, and earthy undertones. The palate leaps forward with flavors of juicy cherries, plums, and a touch of spice. A chalky minerality sits at the core, with fine-grained tannins that create a structure perfectly balanced, each part of the wine is precise and effortlessly flows into the next. A wine to explore today but let it rest in the cellar for decades to come. Drink Now - 2045

A pretty red, elegant and expressive, offering strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support, giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely, turning more austere, with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2048. 750 cases imported.

Blended across 14 vineyards, this wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar. Drink now–2045. (Jeff Porter)

The Gaja 2020 Barbaresco reveals a slow and steady approach with elegant Nebbiolo nuances, lots of pretty intensity and bright primary fruit all the way to the far end of the mouthfeel. The bouquet has hints of toasted cumin, spice and cured leather. There’s special depth to the mouthfeel that is pushed forward by freshness, integrated tannins and savory earthy end notes. The style is modern-classic.

A pale ruby, and blended from 14 vineyard sites, the 2020 Barbaresco was tasted as a barrel sample. Spicy and pure, it is full of red berries with Asian spice and white pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with elegance and refinement throughout, approachable and fine tannins, no harsh edges, and a long-lasting floral finish. This seem to be a vintage that will drink well early but have plenty of longevity as well.

This red is beautifully defined by the purity of its cherry fruit, accented by floral, strawberry and mint. Juicy and graceful, with a line of moderate tannins on the extended finish. Drink now through 2035. 3,750 cases made.

This round red is woven with cherry, raspberry, mineral, eucalyptus and hay flavors. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that lend support on the lively finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 750 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)