2014 Gaja Barbaresco

This isn’t just a great wine for what was a notoriously cool, wet vintage, it’s quite simply a magnificent wine. Perfumed and loaded with finesse, it opens with scents of woodland berry, iris and baking spice while the vibrant, balanced palate doles out Marasca cherry, dark culinary spice, crushed herb and menthol. Refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the taut framework while a licorice note wraps around the finish. Gorgeous. Drink 2022–2034. Cellar Selection
JD95 The 2014 Barbaresco is beautiful and made in a fine, elegant style. Its medium ruby color is followed by classic (yet incredibly pure) notes of ripe black cherries and currants, with ample floral nuances, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied depth and richness that carries serious amounts of ripe, polished tannins. With nicely integrated acidity, beautiful purity of fruit, and a big finish, it blossoms with time in the glass yet still needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 25-30 years.

This is one of Italy’s great red wines and the historic flagship of the Gaja family. Produced from Nebbiolo grapes, the wine takes its name from the village of its origin. GAJA Barbaresco has been in production since the winery’s founding in 1859. The estate fruit for this iconic wine originates from 14 estate vineyards in Barbaresco and Treiso. The nose is almost sensual in its complexity, with aromas of forest fruits, plums, licorice, mineral and coffee scents. It has a long, complex finish with fine silk-like tannins and good acidity.