G. D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2019

Critical Acclaim: 94 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 93 pts James Suckling; 92 pts Jeb Dunnuck; 91 pts Vinous.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes: The 2019 Barolo Albe features a classic pigeon blood garnet color, with a very lively core. A rush of red berries, raspberries, and red currants is wrapped by a layer of sweet spices. The mouthfeel opens with a gorgeous balance, great energy and refined tannins, and the aftertaste echoes the aromatics with lingering complexity.

"This is certainly one of the most popular and versatile wines made in Italy, and deservedly so. The well-priced G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Albe shows some ripe fruit and softness with cherry, dried raspberry and crushed rose. This vintage is similar in character to the 2016 release in that both vintages offer a linear style with good structure at the back. The mouthfeel is polished and long, affording accessibility and complexity too."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 

"A firm and polished red with berries and spices, like nutmeg and pepper. Orange peel, too. Medium body. Fresh and energetic finish. Drink after 2026."- James Suckling. 

"The 2019 Barolo Albe offers aromas of pressed roses, apricot, and tea leaf that are followed by a wine with great tension and balance, medium body, driving notes of orange citrus and dusty earth, and a clean finish. It is long and fresh on the palate. Best after 2024."- Jeb Dunnuck. 

"The 2019 Barolo Albe is a nuanced, understated wine, but it is also a rare Albe that needs time in bottle. Sweet floral and spice notes open first, leading to an attractive core of Nebbiolo fruit. Gentle and understated, with lovely precision, the 2019 Albe is a hushed wine that is more about energy than size. I have seen the Albe really blossom with a few years in bottle. I expect that will be the case here as well given its super-classic feel."- Vinous. 

"This wine consistently delivers one of the greatest values to be found in Italian wine. The G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Albe has all its cards in play as an immediately enjoyable and extremely food-friendly Nebbiolo. This really is the top of the category in that sense. With straightforward winemaking (fermentation is in steel and aging in large Slavonian oak casks), the wine offers bold cherry, wild plum and plenty of fragrant blue flower and violet. This vintage has the added benefit of softly textured richness."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 

Varietal: Nebbiolo.