2011 Barbaresco DOCG
By Gaja
2011 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja, Italy
In the grand tapestry of Italy's wine legacy, the 2011 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja emerges as a compelling testament to the dazzling potential of fine Italian winemaking. The 2011 vintage sits amidst the pantheon of Gaja's feats; its distinctiveness lying not just in its strong structure and elegant flavour profile, but notably in the tangible echo of the climatic conditions that prevailed during its creation.
Climate's kiss, a vintage's virtue
The wine embraces the defining fragility that set the 2011 vintage apart. Italy was graced with an unexpectedly warm beginning; this initial blaze tempered by a dry, forgiving summer. The season's warmth accelerated the ripening process significantly, allowing for a fruitful harvest that bore a kaleidoscope of concentrated flavours.
This geometric dance between earth and climate has interwoven itself within each bottle of 2011 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja. The wine's palate teems with ripe cherry and active spice, tracing back to that early summer heat, uniquely moulding this divine bottle that stands out in any wine investment portfolio.
A symphony in a sip
The nuances of red fruits interlaced with balsamic notes betray perfected hints of vanilla and tobacco from finely balanced oak ageing, the finish long and satisfyingly complex. This is an uncanny clone of the region’s heartbeat, a tasting journey that presents an unassailable argument for Piedmont nebbiolo.
The robust nature yet sophisticated subtlety of this fine wine positions it among other prestigious fine wines from Italy, offering fantastic potential for capital appreciation and making it an irresistible proposition to enthusiasts seeking to extend their foray into the world of fine wine investment.
In the realm of Italian viniculture, the 2011 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja is indeed a fiery salute to its birth year. This nebbiolo teems with the terroir's earthly poetry, masterfully bottled by Gaja, undoubtedly one of the cardinal ambassadors of fine Italian wines.
Current market price
$3,150.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
145.38
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Barbaresco opens to a dark garnet color and shows immediate opulence and intensity where its aromas are concerned. There’s an undeniable level of finesse and focus here that goes against all the things you might assume about a warmer vintage like 2011. The mouthfeel is perfectly tempered and smooth with an incredible sense of liveliness and dimension. Fruit is sourced from Gaja’s many vineyard holdings. Drink: 2017-2035. I have some happy news to report from the exciting world of Angelo Gaja. The estate that was notoriously difficult (if not impossible) to visit for those outside the wine trade is now opening its doors to the public. There is a steep entrance fee, but the scheme makes perfect sense in my option. Any wine lover can make an appointment to tour the estate and sample wine for up to 300 euros a person. The money must be paid to charity as none of the proceeds go to Gaja. If you have a favorite non-profit organization, make a donation in that amount. Once you send receipt of payment to Gaja’s tasting room staff, your visit will be granted. It sounds like a fair exchange to me. Importer: Terlato Wines International, www.terlatowines.com
Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate, 25 June 2014