Gaja   Costa Russi

2011 Costa Russi

By Gaja

2011 Costa Russi from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy

Perched in the heart of the nebbiolo-famed region of Piedmont, family-run winery Gaja proudly presents a precious alliance of tradition and innovation through its portfolio of single-vineyard Barbarescos. Among these treasures, the 2011 Costa Russi particularly stands out.

 

A Rich Tapestry of Elegance

The single-vineyard crus from Gaja have long fetched unrivalled acclaim and the 2011 Costa Russi is no exception to this admirable lineage. This vintage offers an infectious youthful energy that pervades its densely woven palate, rendering it a truly compelling fine wine from Italy for astute investors.

Capturing the climatic idiosyncrasies of 2011 – a cooler than average year that encouraged concentrated, expressive wines – Costa Russi articulates a brilliantly driven tension between precise structure and exuberant fruit.

 

Italian Liquid Luxury Incarnate

The ever-changing ballet of flavours captures each sip with a soft trellis of minerality and delicate hints of wild mint. On one hand, baked cherry tartness finds balance against a darker undercurrent of truffle-infused dark chocolate, indicative of its maturation potential. On the other hand, subtle tones of dried rose petals nod to its Venetian roots.

A decanted 2011 Costa Russi reveals additional dimensions, an almost ethereal combination of complexity and nuance that few wines across the globe can boast with such savoir-faire.

 

Investment Ambrosia

While all vintages of Costa Russi owe much to Gaja's respect for traditional winemaking practices in Piedmont, the 2011 is distinctly layered and robust yet remarkably composed. Its substantial longevity and constant demand in the wine investment market secure 2011 Costa Russi's extraordinary relevance in global portfolio diversification.

Both a gratifying indulgence and valuable asset, the 2011 Costa Russi from Gaja is a wine that will continue to mesmerise enthusiasts and impresses financial connoisseurs with its undoubted trajectory for appreciable cellar value.

Current market price

$4,140.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

177.86

Scores and tasting notes

94

The 2011 Costa Russi delivers youthfulness and brightness with bold cherry fruit flavors, cassis, spice and mild cola. The wine excels in in the mouth where it shows a great degree of roundness and suppleness. Costa Russi is Nebbiolo with a tiny addition of Barbera. Drink: 2018-2038. 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

Vintage performance