Gaja

Barbaresco

2013 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo

APR 17 Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, some anise, floral, fruity, quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, rich, some alcohol warmth, cherries, liquorice, spices, long. 93

2013 Gaja Sori Tildin
NOV 16 Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, violets, ripe, rich, fruity, dark berries nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, red berries, some anise, spices, liquorice, intense, concentrated, detailed, long. 92

2013 Gaja Costa Russi
NOV 16 Bright ruby. Cherries, some jammy notes, red fruity, vanilla, rich nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, liquorice, vanilla, fruity and structured, quite concentrated, long. 91

2013 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Bright ruby. Red berries, some anise, vanilla, some alcohol nose, not too complex. Even herbal notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruity, fresh, fruity, cherries, red berries, leaner, sweet and alcoholic. 88

2013 Gaja Sito Moresco

NOV 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, cassis and blueberries, light anise note, some spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some chocolate, elegant texture. 88

2012 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, floral, some anise, liquorice, lighter, elegant, detailed, little bit alcoholic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, cherries, alcoholic notes, sweeter, good length, bit warm. 89

2012 Gaja Barbaresco

NOV 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, elegant fruits, nuanced, detailed, some minerality, some anise, more subdued floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, spices, cherries, anise, again detailed and nuanced, long. No Costa Russi, Sori Tildin or Sori San Lorenzo made. 94

2012 Gaja Darmagi

NOV 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, bell peppers, some spices and vanilla, intense scented nose, layered and detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, fruity, some spices, cassis, long. 94

2012 Gaja Sito Moresco
AUG 14 Ruby. Scented, liquorice, ripe, dark berries, cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, quite lively, some vanilla, sweet notes, fresh finish. 89

2011 Gaja Sperss
Ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, alcohol, liquorice, ripe and intense nose, not too complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, some anise, quite alcoholic, leaner but long. 90

2011 Gaja Sperss

NOV 15 Ruby. Red berries, some cherries, anise, elegant nose, some floral notes, nuanced and detailed nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cherries, anise, spices, detailed and layered, long. 95

2011 Gaja Conteisa
NOV 16 Bright ruby. Cherries, raspberries, alcohol, some sweetness on the nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, liquorice, cherries, alcohol, rich and ripe. 91

2011 Gaja Conteisa

NOV 15 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, dark berries, some floral notes, anise, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, has some freshness to the darker expression, fruity and intense, tucks in the structure well, long. 93

2011 Gaja Dagromis Barolo

NOV 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Floral, elegant light roses and violets nose, some cherries. Quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant, refreshing, nuanced, dark berries, long. 90

2010 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
NOV 16 Bright ruby. Cherries, fruity, ripe, some liquorice, spices, tighter nose, closed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, cherries, spices, liquorice, anise, intense, some alcohol, long. 93

2010 Gaja Sori Tildin
NOV 16 Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, roses, fruit driven, some anise and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cherries, some spices, liquorice, quite intense, red fruity finish, long. 93

2010 Gaja Costa Russi
NOV 16 Bright ruby. Red berries, floral, fruity, leaner, light cherries note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, alcoholic, sweet, liquorice, lacks focus, at least at this stage, but has more going for it than the last few. 90

2010 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Ruby. Ripe, cherries, liquorice, anise, spices, some vanilla, powerful nose, some alcohol. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, red fruity, liquorice, intense and deep, yet red fruity. Long. 92

2010 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 13 Ruby. Liquorice, cherries, fruity, red berries, vanilla, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, red berries and anise palate, fresh and long. 93

2010 Gaja Barbaresco
OCT 13 Ruby. Tar, roses, vanilla, cherries, scented, elegant floral notes, nuanced, ripe and rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite intense, manages to remain fresh, quite lively, long finish. 93

2010 Gaja Sito Moresco

MAR 13 Ruby. Fruity, some tar and roses, cassis. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, not that complex, good length. 89

2009 Gaja Sperss
NOV 16 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Alcohol, ripe, fruity, rich, cherries and liquorice, big nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, cherries, liquorice, spices, ripe, alcohol shows through, dry woody finish. 92

2009 Gaja Barbaresco
MAY 14 Bright ruby. Tar, cherries, vanilla nose, rich and intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer and riper texture, fruity, bit sweet, long. 93

2009 Gaja Conteisa
NOV 16 Ruby. Rich, fruity, spices, liquorice, cherries, some vanilla and alcohol nose, heavier. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, red berries, sweet and jammy, alcoholic and warm finish, long. 90

2009 Gaja Gaja e Rey

NOV 15 Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, apples, some butter, spices and vanilla, fruity. Fresh acidity, apples, some citrus, vanilla, popcorn, light spicy note, long. 93

2008 Angelo Gaja Langhe Sori San Lorenzo
SEP 12 Bright pale ruby. Intense nose of chocolate, tar, roses violets and just a touch volatile? Something feels ethereal on the nose at least. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins. Not as intense as some vintages, again rounded fruit. This needs time to come together. 90 for now.

2008 Angelo Gaja Barbaresco
SEP 12 Bright pale ruby. Intense nose of tar, roses, licorice and vanilla high notes. High acidity, ripe tannins, rounded fruit, mouthwatering, anise, vanilla and oak. Needs ten years. 92

2008 Gaja Barolo Dagromis
SEP 14 Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, nettles, plums, liquorice, little bit cooked nose, warm. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fruity, rich, ripe, fresher palate, long. 90

2008 Gaja Dagromis

MAR 13 Ruby. Rich tar and roses nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, slightly sweet and rich but balanced, long. 90

2008 Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe Rosso
MAY 11 Ruby, some vanilla and hint of tar, floral, anise and fine leather. Good acidity, high of ripe tannins, elegant texture, long finish. 88

2008 Gaja Sito Moresco
FEB 11 Ruby, elegant fruit, plums, cherries, leather and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good balance, a bit much barrique showing now, good length. 87

2008 Gaja Langhe Rossj Bass
JAN 12 Pale lemon yellow, tropical, yellow plums and pineapple. Good acidity, quite oaky on the palate, ripe, smoke, a bit warm finish. 86

2007 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 11 Ruby, tar, roses licorice, spices, some cherries behind, vanilla. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, some barrel tannins, long, but lacks nerve. 89

2007 Gaja Barbaresco
FEB 11 Ruby, vanilla, truffles, roses, tar, plums, complex nose. High and fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense and refined, very long finish, wait ten years. 91

2007 Gaja Rosj-Bass
DEC 10 Pale straw yellow. Very sweet citrus and raspberry on the nose, with more melon, tropical and honey below. Good acidity, quite good balance except for a bit warm alcohol and tiny caramelly finish. A good wine that probably could, and definitely should have been better. 83

2006 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Magnum. Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, tar and roses, quite rich and intense nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, liquorice, spices, cherries and blueberries, quite intense, long finish. 92

2005 Gaja Sperss

DEC 15 Ruby with orange brown rim. Warm, dried fruits, warmth, some thyme, plums, blackberries, scented, dried fruits, raisins, some alcohol and VA. Dark chocolate.  Fresh and quite high acidity, ripe tannins, dried fruits, raisins, some oak and spices, it's a bit all over the place. Not fully balanced. 89

2004 Gaja Barbaresco

FEB 14 Ruby. Tar, roses, violets, some vanilla, cherries, intense nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, rounded, detailed, structured with fruit to balance, long finish. 93

2004 Gaja Sperss
NOV 09 Bright ruby, clean and extremely elegant, tar, roses, hints of barrel, very closed, but true greatness beneath. Incredible acidity, ripe tannins, fantastic balance and elegance, very complex, extremely long finish. 96

2004 Gaja Dagromis

NOV 10 Bright ruby, floral and fruity nose, vanilla and chocolate. Elegant mouthfeel and texture, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense, complex and long tannic finnish. Wait. 89

2001 Gaja Sperss

MAY 13 Garnet. Anise, tar, rich and intense nose. Leather and tobacco, ripe morellos. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins. Full bodied for (mostly) Nebbiolo, rich and a bit sweet, fruity, tannic backbone, long and very anise finish. 93

2001 Gaja Sperss
JAN 10 Bright ruby, tar and roses, some liquorice, cherries, morellos, red berries, very elegant and complex, very young still. Great acidity, ripe tannins, great balance, very intense, long finish. Drinks beautifully now, but will improve. 93

2001 Gaja Langhe Sperss
DEC 09 Ruby. Very closed, but elegant nose. Then liquorice, roses, some vanilla, chocolate, tar, very complex and youthfull. Great acidity and massive, yet elegant and ripe tannins, cherries and leather, a true beauty. Keep. 95

1999 Gaja Langhe Sperss
NOV 16 Ruby. Red berries, fruity, some vanilla, cherries, anise, liquorice, some violets and faint roses note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, liquorice, spices, vanilla, firm texture, long. 93

1999 Gaja Langhe Sperrs
OCT 11 Ruby, intense of roses and tar, some anise, starting to open, but also vanilla and oak with more air. High acidity and high of ripe tannins, oak is slightly over-shadowing the finish. Long. 92

1999 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Ruby. Cherries, blackberries, some spices, liquorice, some vanilla, detailed, richer if not the richest. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, elegant, detailed if richer, quite intense, structured finish. Long. 93

1999 Gaja Gromis
NOV 10 Ruby, more rustic than expected, stable, leather, some mushrooms, lean and some darker fruits pushed in the corner. Lazy acidity, ripe tannins, short finish, even VA. Not what I hoped for. 82

1998 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
JUL 14 Ruby, garnet rim. Intense tar and roses nose, anise, rich, vanilla and spices nose. Scented. Fresh acidity, fairly high of ripe tannins, rich, intense, leaner palate but intense flavours, liquorice, tar and roses, long. 93

1998 Gaja Langhe Sori Tildin
JUL 14 Deep ruby, garnet rim. Rich nose, figs, prunes, blackberries, morellos, vanilla, anise, spices, layered and complex nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, detailed, rich, tar and roses, rich, very long finish. 94

1998 Gaja Langhe Sperss
OCT 13 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Tar, roses, floral, nuanced, elegant nose, layered. Red berries and liquorice, more subdued oak. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, bit leaner palate, refreshing, long finish. 94

1997 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
JAN 10 Corked

1996 Gaja Conteisa

MAY 10 Ruby with brick rim, vanilla, coffee, spices, a hint behind of tar and roses, quite intense, more tar, liquorice and roses with air. High acidity, great tannic structure, intense mouthfeel, huge in a way, still quite elegant actually (as a Barolo style can be) and very long length. 89

1995 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
NOV 16 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Cherries, tar, some deeper notes, blueberries notes, vanilla, violets, lifted nose. Touch of VA. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, red berries, cherries and anise, light VA feel again, good length. Might have some brett as well. 89

1995 Gaja Costa Russi
NOV 16 Ruby. Cherries, tar, floral notes, elegant, detailed nose, quite intense and rich. Some vanilla notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, tar, anise, elegant and playful, leaner and fresher palate than nose suggests, long. 93

1995 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Ruby, garnet rim, slight cork.

1994 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Some tomatoes, herbal notes, cherries and anise nose, leaner. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher palate, cherries, liquorice, not the most intense, elegant finish. 94

1993 Gaja Costa Russi
NOV 16 Bright ruby, thin garnet rim. Cherries, liquorice, tar, roses, somewhat deeper and fuller nose, fairly rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cherries, anise, some spices, liquorice, playful and lively, detailed, long. 95

1990 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi
NOV 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Floral, scented, cherries, red berries, violets, beautiful nose, detailed and quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, liquorice, spices, firmer, textured, detailed, long. 94

1990 Gaja Barbaresco
JUL 14 Served blind. Ruby with garnet rim. Tar, roses, fruity, cherries, morellos, scented, fairly intense, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, bit leaner in the finish but fairly nice balance for Nebbiolo, intense, long if a bit leaner 93

1987 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi
NOV 16 Ruby, thin brick rim. Floral, scented, red berries, fresh and fruity nose, anise, spices, quite intense, some alcohol notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, red berries, anise, touch of mint, even with some warmth from alcohol it feels fresh and elegant, long. 91

1986 Gaja Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo
NOV 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Some mint, nettles, cherries, black tea notes nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruits, cherries and liquorice, spices, dryer finish. 90

1983 Gaja Sori Tildin
OCT 09 Pale ruby with brick rim. Some dust, hints of roses in the back, tar, liquorice, lacquer, some cherries, mature and secondary aromas. Great fresh acidity, ripe and mature tannins, intense fruit, sweet cherries, leather, light body, long, fresh and complex. 91

1982 Gaja Sori Tildin
NOV 13 Bright ruby, broad garnet rim. Intense nose of tar, roses, figs and spicy notes, almost peppery and cinnamon, anise and violets, intensely floral and fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, leaner palate, fresh, focused, slightly dry finish, long. 94

1982 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Bright ruby, thin brick rim, lots of sediments. Cherries, violets, roses, delicate and nuanced nose, light strawberries nose. Fresh acidity, cherries, elegant and nuanced, tannins ripe ans softening, elegant texture, long. 93

1979 Gaja Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo
MAR 10 Bright ruby, cherries, morellos, liquorice, quite closed, and doesn't want to open. Fantastic strawberry and raspberry fruit, very elegant and fresh, can handle the oak much better, great structure, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit short finish. 87

1979 Gaja Barbaresco
MAR 10 Ruby, orange rim, some oak, hardwood floors, wood polish, dark fruits, liquorice. Fresh fruit, oak shines through, and drying woody finish, even wood tannins, great fruit ruined by too much oak. 82

1978 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi
NOV 16 Ruby, thin brick rim. Cherries, tar, lighter strawberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruity core, leaner, has a nice freshness palate better than nose, elegant structure but not very intense, and a bit drying finish. 86

1978 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, tar, some vanilla, liquorice, fruity nose, fairly intense, touch of rose hips, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, elegant mid palate, cherries and liquorice, then hollower towards the finish, long somewhat narrower finish. 93

1976 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Cloudy pale red, broad orange rim. Notes of Barolo Chinato to it, thin and oxidized palate.

1975 Gaja Il Cantine Conte Riccardi Barbaresco
NOV 16 Cloudy ruby, brick rim. Lean, broth notes, liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, lean palate, thin. It opens up somewhat with more with air, giving some wild strawberries in a gentle way. 87

1971 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Light cloudy pale ruby core, broad orange rim. Cherries, tar, figs, some dates, touch smoky, leaner nose. Fresh acidity, leaner palate, sweet and sour palate, lean and drying. Nose has younger feel to it than palate. 88

1971 Gaja Barbaresco
JUL 14 Bright ruby with broad brick rim. Tar, roses, little bit dusty, detailed nose, violets, intense, lots of liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit lean palate, prunes and figs, bit tender, detailed, cherries, anise, long. 94

1971 Gaja Barbaresco

AUG 11 Ruby, brick rim, intense, leather, anise, prunes, probably even more, I was tired at this stage. Nice acidity, balanced, ripe tannins, long length. 92-93

1971 Gaja Barbaresco

AUG 11 Tired bottle.

1971 Gaja Barbaresco
MAR 10 Pale ruby, orange rim. What a marvel on the nose, lost for words, complex, mature, elegant, seductive as few, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow fruit and lean body, it never catches up with that nose unfortunately, but very long. Probably needed more air. 90

1971 Gaja Nebbiolo Sori del Turco

AUG 11 I have never seen or heard of this wine before, orange colour, oxidized, sour, on the verge of living at all.

1970 Gaja Barbaresco
MAY 15 Served blind. Cloudy ruby, brown orange hue and orange rim. Tobacco, cherries, few figs, liquorice nose, intense, some notes of iodine, mature. Fresh acidity, few tannins, mature and borderline old, drying finish and on its way down, but not there yet. Some chocolate and coffee. 88

1964 Gaja Barbaresco

FEB 17 Cloudy orange. Very oxidative, cherries, earthy, tomato stem, lean and dry. 82

1964 Gaja Barbaresco
NOV 16 Cloudy ruby core, orange rim. Tar, cherries, earthy, some tomato notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, dry and dusty. 85

1964 Gaja Barbaresco

JUN 16 Gone.

1964 Gaja Barbaresco

JUL 13 Dead as a dodo.

1964 Gaja Barbaresco

MAY 11 Garnet with orange rim, lots of sediments. Intense nose, intense acidity, ripe tannins, and caramel finish. Opulent, rich, sweet and sour, hefty, some bitter and herbal tones in the finish of the vintage, long length. Old Nebbiolo as it should be! 94

1964 Gaja Barbaresco
MAR 10 A level fill, cork only half soaked, bright ruby, orange rim, lots of sediments. Pepper and dark fruits, liquorice, intense leather and tobacco. Superb balance, fresh acidity, very precise, perfect mouthfeel, tannins almost gone, complex, actually quite elegant Barbaresco, very long finish. 94

1961 Gaja Barbaresco

MAY 16 Dusty, some cherries, broth.

1961 Gaja barbaresco
MAY 13 Brick. Some cherries and anise, leather, leaner nose. Fresh acidity, firm tannins, dry, nothing close to what this can be. 85

1961 Gaja Barbaresco
FEB 13 Madeira.

1961 Gaja Barbaresco
MAY 12 Brick with orange rim. Narrow nose, lacks fruit, towering acidity, either needed a lot more air than it had any chance to get, or a tired bottle, way past it's best. Didn't give anything compared to other bottles. 75

1961 Gaja Barbaresco

MAY 11 Garnet orange rim, leather, dark fruits, somewhat intense, some volatile notes, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very nice texture, long length, concentrated and rich. 93

1961 Gaja Barbaresco
JUL 10 A/B level fill, perfect cork. Garnet with broad brick rim. Leaps out of the glass, liquorice, roses, tar, leather, very complex, touch of coffee beans. Very fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively fruit, vey pure, great balance, fantastic mature texture, stable, hardwood, incredible long length. Fantastic wine. 97

1958 Gaja Barbaresco

SEP 16 Dead

1958 Gaja Barbaresco
JUL 10 A level fill, perfect cork. Leather, intense, almost leaping out of the glass, not as expressive as the 61, but more nuanced, has another dimension about it, tar, roses, tobacco, pure, refined, black tea, ads more for every sip and smell. Fresh, high acidity, high of ripe tannins, pure and incredibly refined and complex. Very similar to the 61, one would almost expect them to just be bottle differences of the same vintage, very pure, amazing finish and gorgeous length. But the 58 has a little more nuance and facets about it. 98

1958 Gaja Barolo Riserva
AUG 10 Orange brick, so seductive, roses, tar, anise, so complex and subtle, pure, texture like the touch of the best leather, even some nuts. Intense, in another meaning, not huge, but so many flavours just runs at you, gorgeous, pure, complex, great balance, fantastic length, multi-faceted big time! 98

1958 Gaja Barolo Riserva
MAR 10 A level fill, cork "glued" to the bottle, so we had to make a hole with the bottle opener. I do not know if it got cloudy after being poured or not. Pale garnet, towards red-orange. Lean and a bit soapy on the nose, but all of that changes in the mouth. Absolute perfect balance, fresh acidity, total elegance, beautiful and seductive, on the gentle side, layered, getting more and more intense with air, liquorice, floral overtones, leather and a mind-blowing length. 95

1953-1955 Gaja Barbaresco Veccia Riserva
NOV 11 Bottle 110568. Gaja started putting the vintage on the bottle only in 1956. Some older bottles may have hand written vintage. This had medallions from 1953 on the label, so the vintage is narrowed down to somewhere between 1953 and 55 probably. Brown, red tint. Lots of sediments. Some hints of aromas here and there, too old. That was the initial tasting note. After 20-30 minutes, redcurrants and hint of roses, still lean and sharp on the palate.

Pre 1956 Gaja Barbaresco Vecchia Riserva

MAY 11 Bottle 149620, orange colour and funky nose, high acidity, some sweetness in the finish. Tired. 69. This is probably older than 1956 as that is the first year Gaja put the vintage on the bottles. Before that they were non vintage.