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2021 Gaja Barbaresco

2021 Gaja Barbaresco

97JD
97KO
96RP
95JS
95WE
95WS
94VN
$349.99

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Main Warehouse: 12

97

Jeb Dunnuck

Reviewed May 2024
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. (AF)

Professional Reviews

97

Kerin O'Keefe

Review Date: 04/2024
The 2021 classic Barbaresco from Gaja is drop-dead gorgeous. Made with 14 estate vineyards that are vinified separately before being assembled into the final blend, it’s all about finesse, delivering sensations of juicy raspberry, red cherry, cinnamon, camphor and white pepper before a long, star anise and saline mineral close. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity provide the age-worthy structure. (KO)

96

Wine Advocate

Review Date: 01/2025
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. (ML)

95

James Suckling

Review Date: 08/2024
The aromas of licorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberry are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate of fine tannins that are seamless and unseen. It’s long and lively. It needs two to four years to open up. Try after 2027. (JS)

Staff Reviews

KK
Kerry Kennell

Kerry Kennell

Review Date: 12/2024
Adrift on an intricate sensory symphony through a summer farmer’s market—baskets of ripe raspberries, cherries, blood orange, bundles of rhubarb, licorice root, cool black tea, dried herbs, and clean straw. So fresh, clean, and delicate — all supported by impossibly fine tannins. This is bliss.

Notes

Gaja Barbaresco is an iconic expression of Nebbiolo from one of Italy's most legendary producers. Crafted from grapes sourced from several of Gaja's top vineyards around the village of Barbaresco, this wine exemplifies the elegance, complexity, and finesse that define the Barbaresco appellation. Angelo Gaja, often credited with elevating Barbaresco to the level of its more famous neighbor Barolo, brings a meticulous approach to winemaking that emphasizes purity, balance, and the true character of Nebbiolo. On the nose, Gaja Barbaresco reveals a captivating bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, and dark plums, interwoven with floral notes of roses and violets. Subtle hints of licorice, tobacco, and earthy undertones add depth, while a touch of spice and mint completes the aromatic profile. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity that support flavors of ripe red fruit, herbs, and a delicate minerality. The finish is long, refined, and complex, showcasing the wine’s impeccable structure and aging potential.

Details

TypeRed Wine
VarietalNebbiolo
OriginBarbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
Bottle Size750 mL
SKU1799765
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