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Wine Spectator's #9 Wine of 2024
Sold Out Since January - Only 6 Magnums Left!
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94 Points, Rank #9 Top 100 of 2024 - Wine Spectator:
"Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements. Best from 2028 through 2049. 3,500 cases imported."
94 Points - Robert Parker's WA:
"You can't beat this value."
93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"...beautiful bouquet of raspberries, fresh flowers, and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, it has a lot of elegance, with ripe and supple tannins..."
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine lively, and approachable tannins allow you to enjoy this wine now and give you the tools to pair with a variety of cuisines. Drink Now - 2040."
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Dear Artisans,
The Vajra Barolos are always the most sublime/juiciest/elegant/fragrant/balanced/Burgundian/rare you can buy for the money.
Yet, as with all great things in wine, this tiny production (1-3k cases annually) producer is typically NEVER available to purchase. The minuscule amount that's imported normally goes to your esteemed Michelin-starred restaurant wine lists around the country.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate reviewer Monica Larner has declared G.D. Vajra to be "one of the most exciting estates to watch today."
Producer History
The G.D. Vajra estate is located in Vergne, the highest village of Barolo in northwest Italy, where the vineyards sit at an altitude of up to 1300 feet. The estate is named after Giuseppe Domenico Vajra, who founded the estate in 1972, using vineyards that had been in the family since the 1920s. The result of these high elevation vineyards is small yields, small berry size and thick skinned berries – all with an innate elegance.
The estate is now run by his Giuseppe's son Aldo with help from his son, another Giuseppe. Aldo acquired the first organic certification of the region (1971), created private biotype selections (selezioni massali) of Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, pioneered the renaissance of Freisa, a noble yet forgotten local grape (1980) and the cultivation of Rhine Riesling in Piemonte (1985). Today, the Vajra family continues their vineyard research focusing on the influence of soil and climate change. The family has 40 hectares (almost 100 acres), of which 10 are planted with Nebbiolo for Aldo's Barolo, located in such prized vineyards as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne.
We have only 6 magnums left of the Albe Barolo, and a few bottles left of the single vineyards, and won't receive more (we've tried) as the vintage was completely allocated out before it even landed... So please do order promptly to get these in your cellar (or your mouth) as they'll be gone by dinner time tonight!
Cheers!
-James Tran
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2020 G. D. Varja "Albe" Barolo DOCG
1.5 Liter Magnums
94 Points, Rank #9 Top 100 of 2024 - Wine Spectator:
This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements. Best from 2028 through 2049. 3,500 cases imported. —Bruce Sanderson
94 Points - Robert Parker's WA:
You can't beat this value. The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Albe is buttoned up with fresh primary fruit, and the wine does not have that hint of over-ripeness that is found across this vintage. The fruit is dark and savory, and there is a big mineral component to match, but the bouquet is nicely redolent of dark currant, plum, granite and a raspy dry note that brings crushed shale to mind. The tannins are quite impactful, and they give this wine extra runway for moderate bottle aging. 2025 - 2038
93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
A ripe ruby hue, the 2020 Barolo Albe offers a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, fresh flowers, and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, it has a lot of elegance, with ripe and supple tannins and a bit of iron-rich earth. Drink 2024-2037. The G.D. Vajra estate is based within the commune of Barolo, with the entire family contributing and Giuseppe and Aldo Vajra at the helm of the winemaking responsibilities. Giuseppe, who took more of a leadership role in 2008, has been instrumental in continuing to develop the family estate, while Isidoro Vajra leads in vineyard management. Most recently they have completed the expansion of their cellar space and offices. They are also now releasing their wines a touch later to allow for additional time in bottle to soften any harsh edges. As of the 2019 vintage, both the G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana estates are certified organic. (Drink between 2024-2037)
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
The nose is a harmonious blend of red fruits, featuring warmed cherries macerated in sweet and savory spices of cinnamon and clove. Dried raspberries and red currant add depth, while a distinct dried leaf and floral component entices. Vibrant cherry, cranberry, and strawberry stand tall on the palate, with thyme and bay leaf adding subtle herbaceous undertones that balance the flavors. Mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine lively, and approachable tannins allow you to enjoy this wine now and give you the tools to pair with a variety of cuisines. Drink Now - 2040 — Jeff Porter
93 Points - James Suckling:
This is a bright and lively Barolo showing sliced oranges, raspberries, crushed stones and rose petals on the nose. Medium-bodied, with sharp acidity and tight tannins. Lots of energy. Try from 2027.
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Our Price:
$119.99 (Magnum)
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2020 G. D. Vajra "Bricco delle Viole" Barolo DOCG
96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
" The nose of this Barolo is exhilarating, with spiced cherries, damson alongside warmed violets in blossom. Notes of leather, truffle, and forest floor add depth that keep flowing from the glass. The palate is a panoply of cherries in all their glory: fresh, macerated, preserved, you name it, it is there. Accompanied by sweet tea with cola and sassafras that lead to supple tannins that provide needed structure without overpowering the wine. Lifted acidity keeps each sip pure and fresh, making the bottle empty too soon. Drink Now - 2045" - Jeff Porter (Sep 2024)
98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A ripe ruby color, the 2020 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is incredible on the nose. Initially lightly smoky on opening, it needs a little time to reveal notes of candied roses, wild raspberries, tea leaf, and sweet sage. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, a balanced, compact nature, and a velvety texture, it is nicely concentrated, yet with a weightless feel. This is one of the most complete wines I’ve tasted from Vjara to date. It has depth, but with a defined feel, and is long on the palate, with an exceptional finish. It’s going to have a wide drinking window but age at a very slow rate over the next two to three decades. The G.D. Vajra estate is based within the commune of Barolo, with the entire family contributing and Giuseppe and Aldo Vajra at the helm of the winemaking responsibilities. Giuseppe, who took more of a leadership role in 2008, has been instrumental in continuing to develop the family estate, while Isidoro Vajra leads in vineyard management. Most recently they have completed the expansion of their cellar space and offices. They are also now releasing their wines a touch later to allow for additional time in bottle to soften any harsh edges. As of the 2019 vintage, both the G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana estates are certified organic. (Drink between 2024-2054)" - (May 2024)
96 Points - Wine Spectator:
" Elegant and graceful, with a silky texture, this red evokes strawberry, cherry, rose, mint and mineral aromas and flavors. Firmly structured and lively, with balance and a resonant, energetic finish. Shows superb harmony, finesse and length. Best from 2027 through 2048. 1,250 cases made, 700 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Nov 2024)
96 Points - Vinous:
" The 2020 Barolo Bricco delle Viole, Vajra's flagship, is very fine. Dark cherry, kirsch, blood orange, spice and lavender are nicely amplified. The 2020 is gracious and elegant, but its youthful Nebbiolo tannins will require some time to soften. The 2020 is another wine that captures my keen interests with its sublime balance. I would be thrilled to own it. (Drink between 2026-2040)- Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)
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2020 G. D. Vajra "Ravera" Barolo DOCG
97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The Ravera cru, one of the estate's prized holdings, is known for its calcareous soil and old vines that contribute to the wine's depth and ageability. This Barolo showcases crushed raspberries and red currants intertwined with wild thyme and fresh laurel. Subtle notes of cinchona bark, whole cinnamon, and fresh porcini add complexity. On the palate, warmed mixed berry jam is dusted with crushed cloves, pepper, and earthy hints of truffle and underbrush. Fine and elegant tannins provide structure, while the well-balanced warmth envelops the senses like a comforting hug. Drink Now - 2045 " - Jeff Porter (Sep 2024)
96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Bright ruby-colored, the 2020 Barolo Ravera is fresh and fruity with notes of cherry candies, lilacs, darker spice (almost anise, but sweeter), and sweet sage, but it’s all well-integrated. Medium-bodied on the palate, it takes on more depth and richness, with a velvety, iron-rich texture that Giuseppe Vajra believes can be attributed to the microclimate of the vineyard, where nights are cooler and the lower parts of the vineyard are warmer. Drink 2026-2046.The G.D. Vajra estate is based within the commune of Barolo, with the entire family contributing and Giuseppe and Aldo Vajra at the helm of the winemaking responsibilities. Giuseppe, who took more of a leadership role in 2008, has been instrumental in continuing to develop the family estate, while Isidoro Vajra leads in vineyard management. Most recently they have completed the expansion of their cellar space and offices. They are also now releasing their wines a touch later to allow for additional time in bottle to soften any harsh edges. As of the 2019 vintage, both the G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana estates are certified organic. 2025-2046" - (Sep 2024)
96 Points - Robert Parker's WA:
The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Ravera reveals wild forest berry, cherry, licorice root and sweet summer fruit. The effect is focused or chiseled thanks to animating acidity and pinpoint fruit flavors. Located in the village of Novello, Ravera benefits from open panoramas and cooler temperatures from the mountains. These factors make this cru one of the most promising in this era of climate change. This is a Barolo for the purists.
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2017 Luigi Baudana "Baudana" Barolo DOCG
96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Balsamic aromas of camphor and cedar mingle with rose and leather on this full-boded, savory red. Structured and delicious, the juicy palate is still youthfully austere, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, baking spice and licorice framed in noble tannins before a black tea finish. Drink 2025–2037." - Kerin O'Keefe (7/1/2021)
95+ Points - Vinous:
"The 2017 Barolo Baudana is such a gorgeous wine. It, too conveys the power of Serralunga, but with a bit less heft than is typically the case. Sweet dark cherry, iron, cedar, rose petal, mint and white pepper give the 2017 its effusive, inviting personality. This is such a tremendous showing." - Antonio Galloni (2/2021)
95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Rich and round, this lively red is packed with bright cherry pie, plum tart and earth flavors, showing flourishes of menthol and tobacco. The tannins are well-mannered, and a mineral note emerges on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2045. 260 cases made." - BS (Web Only - 2021)
95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2017 Barolo Baudana has more savory and forward notes of dried cranberry, leather, and orange peel on the nose, with tangy ripe fruit on the palate. It has a rather approachable style, with the generosity of the fruit up front and well-managed tannins. Drink 2021-2040." (5/27/2021)
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Below are more do-not-miss Barbaresco & Barolo
Click on their images to read on!
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Last bottles and magnums of "THE HOLY GRAIL OF TRADITIONAL BAROLO"
2017 and 2015 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Tre Tine and Brunate
(WE 98, WS 96, VM 95, WA 95)
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The last bottles remaining of 95pt 2014 Produttori del Barbaresco
Single-Vineyards are STILL @ release prices!!
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9 Bottles Left
BODACIOUS BAROLO - BURSTING WITH BLACK FRUIT
From Serralunga d'Alba, the greatest Barolo commune — where the most legendary Barolo hail from:
100-point Giacomo Conterno's Monfortino,
Bruno Giacosa's Red Labels,
Massolino,
Ettore Germano,
Luigi Baudana,
Yet Fontanafredda's costs HUNDREDS LESS!!!
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