Gaja   Barbaresco DOCG

1997 Barbaresco DOCG

By Gaja

1997 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja

In the pantheon of prestigious fine wines from Italy, the 1997 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja certainly commands a respectable position. With a quintessential zeal encapsulating everything that's extraordinary about Italian vintages, this sublime creation undoubtedly earmarks itself as an enchanting ensemble of depth and elegance.

 

A vintage snapshot of 1997

The year 1997 was notably favourable for Barbaresco, with a summer replete with persistent heat and minimal rainfall. These climatic conditions bore fruit, both literally and metaphorically, resulting in grapes of exceptional ripeness and concentrated flavors. This acclaimed creation from Gaja capitalized on these favorable conditions, producing an exquisite wine that beautifully reflects its vintage.

 

An exploration of taste and terroir

The 1997 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja is truly unique in its character. It showcases a deliciously complex palette layered with luscious notes of ripe cherries and blackberries expertly intertwined with alluring hints of leather, aniseed and truffle. The distinct minerality is elegantly expressed, reinforcing the tangible presence of its nurturer, the sun-baked Piedmontese soil.

Featuring a structure that's robust yet velvety, it weaves an intricate tapestry of flavors that effortlessly balances power and finesse - an investment not solely confined to financial dimensions but also in the sensory richness it promises.

 

A toast to the exceptional

Vouchsafing one of Italy's most reputable wineries, this 1997 Barbaresco DOCG is undeniably one among Gaja's finest triumphs. It discloses a marriage between nature's generosity during 1997 and Gaja's masterful craftsmanship, culminating into an Italian masterpiece.

With its supreme quality and its ability to mature exquisitely over time, this refined wine doesn't merely stand as an attractive addition to gourmet dining experiences. It's also a compelling prospect for those intent on exploring lucrative avenues within the realm of wine investment. A luminous testament to the aura of Barbaresco and the gilded reputation of Gaja. Truly a tale of terroir and time, captured within a bottle.

Current market price

$4,090.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

175.71

Scores and tasting notes

94

Gaja's 1997 Barbaresco is undoubtedly the finest he has yet made. An exquisite effort, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an extraordinary nose of black cherry liqueur, smoke, licorice, mineral, and floral aromas. The wine is full-bodied, opulent, and loaded with fruit. Despite its precocious nature, there is abundant tannin, and thus 3-4 years of cellaring is required. It should age effortlessly for 25 years. A genius for sure, Angelo Gaja can not be faulted for what he puts in the bottle. This work of art is worth every cent it will fetch. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 June 2001

Vintage performance