Our View:
An iconic wine from Gaja that can be enjoyed now but best for some further ageing in order for the full potential of this wine to be appreciated. Delicate aromas with great complexity, this wine is pure elegance in a glass. Robert parker - Wine Advocate rated the 2020 Barbaresco vintage as 'outstanding'* - this wine is one to savour within your collection and enjoy in due course.
*robertparker.com
The Wine:
The Gaja family have long been famous pioneers of winemaking. Over five generations, the family has been growing vines and making wine, a tradition they started in 1859 in Piedmont. Each generation nurtures the dreams and vision of the previous one, building and innovating for the next. For example, Angelo Gaja introduced new methods with higher density planting, green harvesting, lower yields, temperature controlled vinification, shorter macerations, large barrique ageing and longer corks. Above all, they are inspired by respect for nature and believe attention to detail is paramount.
The beautiful village of Barbaresco is home to Gaja. In Piedmont the vineyards extend over 96ha in the Barbaresco district.
Greg Sherwood MW sums up the 2020 vintage as follows:
"Gaja’s Barbaresco red is often seen as the flagship wine of the Gaja estate considering their three Crus are not produced every vintage. Indeed, it is the consistency of quality of this wine that has helped give the entire Barbaresco appellation the reputation it now holds today. The 2020 offering is blended from 14 vineyards situated in the municipality of Barbaresco which covers around 21.4 hectares and the vines have an average age of 45 years old, with each vineyard lot fermented and aged separately for one year before the final blend is made".
Tasting Note:
Greg Sherwood MW goes on to to summarise the 2020 tasting note:
"
Light ruby coloured with a brilliant translucence, the 2020 is sleek, powerful, linear and brightly fruited with powdery fine grained mineral tannins over potent peppery red berry aromatics, Asian spices, red cherry and pithy wild strawberry. Medium bodied, ultra-pure and magnificently floral with tantalising salty red liquorice nuances make this an incredibly pretty but substantial expression of Nebbiolo that finishes with creamy, drying stony tannins, a crushed limestone minerality before a final reprise of tangy red cherry pastille. A very impressive Gaja Barbaresco vintage that will drink well from release due to its incredible finesse and elegance but will of course be exponentially better in 4 to 5 years’ time. Yet again, Gaja produces a class act!"
The Facts:
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Wine
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Gaja Barbaresco DOCG
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Vintage
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2020
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Style
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Dry Red Wine
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Grape Variety
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100% Nebbiolo
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Alcohol Content
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14%
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Closure
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Natural Cork
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Bottle Size
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750ml
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What the critics say:
95 Points: "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." James Suckling.
95 Points: "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." Jeb Dunnuck
