Gaja - Barolo Sperss 2019 (750ml)
Jeb Dunnuck: 99 Points
The 2019 Barolo Sperss is rich with dark mineral earth black cherry and Earl Grey tea. Long and mouthwatering it has a powerful structure while retaining finesse. It is fantastically balanced with gripping tannins fresh acidity and notes of forested earth and ripe red berries. A wine for the long haul this is another great and noble wine to drink over the coming three decades. The Gaja estate was founded in 1859 although it was Angelo Gaja the fourth-generation winemaker of this Barbaresco estate who made the innovations that would help shape the region as it is today. The entire family shares responsibilities across their estates. Great attention is paid to their practice of sustainable and regenerative farming. I met with Giovanni Gaja for this tasting at the estate in Barbaresco and also made a visit to the nearby region of the Alta Langa only 16 kilometers away from the original estate. The latest major development for the estate in Piedmont is a brand new winery exclusively dedicated to their still white wine production in Alta Langa designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Bo who the family have worked with since 1982. The vineyards of Gaia & Rey and Brassica will remain the same but fermentation and production will move to this location. There is greater biodiversity in Alta Langa compared to Barolo and Barbaresco with 60% of the land being undeveloped land and hazelnut farms and only 40% vineyards compared to Barbaresco which has 80% of the land under vine. For this reason as well a
Kerin O'Keefe: 99 Points
The 2019 Sperss is drop-dead gorgeous. Expressing the captivating combination of firm structure and understated finesse that defines the best Barolos from Serralunga it opens with aromas of underbrush forest berry sun-warmed hay and botanical herb. Linear and focused the vibrant savory palate delivers red cherry blood orange and licorice punctuated with saline mineral notes. It has incredible energy and will age beautifully. Drink 2029?2049. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O?Keefe April 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
Wine Advocate: 98 Points
This wine offers a delicate embroidery of earth crushed rose rusty nail and dark currant. The Gaja 2019 Barolo Sperss also has hints of smoke or camphor ash and the entire wine is very polished and seamless with underripe dark fruit or sottobosco (undergrowth) that carries through to the end. This is one of the most powerful of Gaja's latest releases yet the wine is also profoundly elegant. Published: Apr 04 2024
