We are pleased to offer this fantastic new release from the Gaja portfolio.
The 2018 vintage was characterised by early flowering and then a cool, wet summer which provided challenges in the vineyards to avoid downy and powdery mildew, which was avoided and allowed the fruit to ripen slowly, a benefit for Nebbiolo. A windy, dry and hot September bought on the start of the harvest earlier than originally expected which then finished on 9th October. The best wines from this vintage tend towards elegance, minerality, refinement with great balance displaying floral notes and red fruits. The vintage is widely regarded as much better than 2017 with Wine Advocate rating it as outstanding
Whilst no single vineyard Barbaresco wines were made by Gaja in 2018, this has not resulted in lots more of the Barbaresco being available as a hailstorm in July wiped out 30% of the available fruit.
Monica Larner of Wine Advocate sums up the wine nicely with her note below. She rates Gaja’s Barbaresco as one of the best she has tasted from the 2018 vintage, the highest scoring wine getting 95 points and Gaja scoring 94+.
2018 Gaja Barbaresco
GBP 845 per 6x75cl IB
GBP 850 per 12x37.5cl IB
GBP 920 per 3x150cl IB
The Gaja 2018 Barbaresco is a wine of grace and purpose, with an elegant bouquet and a more powerful palate presence. These recent releases from the venerated house of Gaja are some of the most transparent and honest expressions to be found anywhere in the Langa. Some of the flashiness we saw in the past is today replaced by subtle Nebbiolo nuances and finesse, with crushed flowers, coriander, wild berry, smoke, tar and candied orange peel. This shift in character runs parallel to the slow and careful management transition from an older generation to a younger one. This 2018 vintage comes alive in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and the absolutely bright and pristine quality of fruit delivered with such care. 94 + Points Monica Larner WA June 2021
Subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold, wines available March-April 2022
