2001 Sperss
By Gaja
2001 Sperss from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
Stepping into the domain of the 2001 Sperss from Gaja is akin to uncovering a hidden crypt brimming with rare treasures. This enigmatic wine hails from the elevated slopes of Serralunga d'Alba in Piedmont, a region cherished for its ability to transform the humble Nebbiolo grape into an intoxicating masterpiece.
Riding high with a magnificent vintage
The 2001 vintage manifests itself as one of those desert-island years every fine wine investor dreams of. Favorable climatic conditions from early spring right through to a golden-hued autumn secured an exceptional vintage for Piedmont, allowing Nebbiolo ager to instantiate their robust character with depth and precision.
As it rolls on the palate, one discerns layers of blackberries and plums, adorned with hints of leather and crushed roses - testament to this wine’s regal origin. The firm but not aggressive tannins encompass these flavors, laying siege to the palate in an embrace as lingering as it is harmonious.
Gaja's unswerving dedication to mastery
Of course, none of this is a gamble when you're dealing with fine wines from Italian patriarch Angelo Gaja. With each sip, we're saluting his painstaking efforts; from attentive vineyard management down to meticulous barrique aging. All this cumulates in the spectacular embodiment of the Nebbiolo grape that is Gaja’s 2001 Sperss.
A mid-term investment horizon endorses this wine’s full potential as it continues its journey in the bottle. Yet its current mellowness makes it an irresistible choice for those craving immediate gratification.
Bottled history, timeless legacy
It’s wine like the 2001 Sperss from Gaja that honours Italy's fine wine making tradition whilst forging a path all their own. Painting a sensorial rendition of its Piedmont soil, it serves as a divine reminder of why the world falls head over heels for Italian wine time and again. A choice investment, the 2001 Sperss, symbolises not just a memorable vintage, but encapsulates a fragment of Italy's precious vinous heritage.
Current market price
$5,790.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
232
Scores and tasting notes
The 2001 Sperss is the alter ego to the Conteisa. It is a decidedly powerful, virile wine with plenty of Serralunga muscle in its powerful, brooding personality. Tobacco, mint, crushed flowers, licorice and leather are some of the notes that add complexity and depth to the dark fruit. Layers of flavor build to the explosive finish. Readers will have to be patient with the Sperss. All it needs is time. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Angelo Gaja isn’t the talkative type too often these days. Most of the time I am greeted, left alone in a room to taste, and then greeted again before I leave. On this day, though, Gaja started talking about vintages, and in particular the misconception that wines from hot years don’t age. Gaja cited 1961, a warm year in Piedmont, and one of the most legendary at the time. The wines aged just fine, added Gaja. What struck me most, though, was how clear Gaja’s recollection was of events that transpired fifty years ago. I know only one other person in Piedmont who has a similarly sharp memory that goes that far back. What does that have to do with these 2001s? Not much, except that it seemed like an interesting anecdote to share. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 25 April 2012