Filtered by:
🇮🇹A Vajra Classic 🍷
Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ 2019
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo (sub-region)
The 2019 Albe is looking good with loads of energy. There's a nice build in density and quality tannins that are layered and ripe with excellent weight. Darker fruits. It’s good to see this looking so vibrant, flowing and fun. Delicious. Baking spice, woody herb & lick of licorice very good. Full of energy. Great drinking.
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
$111
$106ea in any 3+
$101ea in any 6+
🇮🇹A Vajra Classic 🍷
Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ 2016
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo (sub-region)
If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishe
$127
$122ea in any 3+
$117ea in any 6+
Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
The Perfect Way to Get an Early Read on the 2021 Vintage! Vajra make such a pretty Langhe Neb. Playful with a little serious undertone.
The 2021 is looking very good, perfumed, floral, fine & harmonised. Excellent flow and shape. Love the zip on the acid , the development and florals. Beautifully weighted with fine tannins of quality wrapping an excellent core of fruit. Great drinking. The magic 8 ball thinks Vintage 2021 will be tasty!
This wine is our quest for the innocence of Nebbio
$56
$53ea in any 3+
$50ea in any 6+
Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2019
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
The Perfect Way to Get an Early Read on the 2019 Vintage! Vajra make such a pretty Langhe Neb. Playful with a little serious undertone, the same layered tannin at it's level as came through in the 2019 Burlotto. Violets and flowers, bright crunchy fruit, a hit of baking spice. An edge to the mouthfeel that sits nicely with a wave of fresh fennel and a splash of aniseed. Loads of fun to be had here! The magic 8 ball thinks Vintage 2019 will be tasty!
This wine is our quest for the innocence of N
$61
$58ea in any 3+
$55ea in any 6+
Vajra Langhe DOC Nebbiolo Claré J.C. 2022
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Claré J.C. is a Nebbiolo made according to a 1606 note from the House of Savoia jeweler Gian Battista Croce. This wine is a time-capsule into an era when Nebbiolo wines tasted fresher, lifted and slightly crisp. This is a wine for people who are young, brave at heart and curious about Piemonte forgotten past. Giuseppe Vaira
The name, Claré J.C., pays homage to Thomas Jefferson – who visited Piemonte in 1787 and described Nebbiolo “dry as a claret, sweet and lingering as Madeira, brisk
$56
$53ea in any 3+
$50ea in any 6+
Vajra Barolo ‘Coste di Rose’ 2017
Nebbiolo | Barolo (sub-region), Italy
The 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose is pretty, supple and inviting. Some of the tannins need to resolve, but this is a young Barolo after all. The Coste di Rose doesn't have the sensuality of the Albe or the pedigree of the Viole, but it nevertheless has so much to give. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint, crushed rocks and sage are some of the many notes that linger. I won't be surprised if the 2017 is even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit.
Galloni
$153
$148ea in any 3+
$143ea in any 6+
Vajra Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2009
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
The 2012 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is pure class. A decidedly sensual, inviting Bricco delle Viole, the 2012 fleshes out in the glass with an effortless, inviting personality that is impossible to resist. Deep red cherry and plum notes open up first, followed by the classic floral notes that are so typical of this site. In 2012, the Bricco delle Viole is quite forward and fruit-driven, with essentially none of the angular contours that are typical when the wine is young. All of that means the 20
$210
$203ea in any 3+
$196ea in any 6+
Vajra Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2016
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
The 2016 Barolo Ravera is tough as nails today, but it has striking inner sweetness and remarkable persistence. Even so, readers will have to exercise a great deal of patience, as the 2016 is not likely to offer much in the way of pleasure for a number of years. Bright red cherry, mint, white pepper, blood orange and dried flowers give the 2016 brilliant top notes to match its finely sculpted feel. Veins of acidy and tannin add razor-sharp precision throughout. I can't wait to taste this in anot
$230
Luigi Baudana Barolo ‘Cerretta’ 2016
Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
Nebbiolo, Barolo, Serralunga, Cerretta, 2013 = Enough Said! The 2016 Barolo Cerretta is dark, virile and imposing. Black cherry, lavender, scorched earth, cloves, leather and a range of balsamic notes give the Cerretta its somber, virile feel. Ample and powerful yet also medium in body, the Cerretta captures so much of what makes Nebbiolo so captivating, specifically the ability for a wine to constantly transform in the glass.
Galloni
$230
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Perno’ 2004
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Lifting the level to Sordo's Riserva Range is always Fun! Winery Direct from an exceptional Barolo Year! Update Dec 2023 Devoured at a Christmas function, the 2004 Perno is right in the zone. Sitting in that perfectly mature spot. Earthy and truffled, seamless and harmonious, poised, balanced, flowing and delicious. This aged Barolo is in its prime drinking beautifully.
A perfect match to dry-aged duck breast with a white truffle and cured cherry sauce at Al Dente.
From my experience o
$244
$234ea in any 3+
$224ea in any 6+
Luigi Baudana Barolo ‘Baudana’ 2016
Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
Nebbiolo, Barolo, Serralunga, Baudana, 2013 = Enough Said! The 2016 Barolo Baudana is laced with sweet red cherry, floral overtones and silky tannins, all of which make it one of the more refined, sensual Serralunga Barolos readers will come across. In this tasting, the Baudana impresses with its haunting aromatics and transparent expression of Nebbiolo. Like all of these wines, it needs time in bottle but it is super impressive, even in the early going.
Galloni
$230
The Super Stars!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ 2004
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Lifting the level to Sordo's Riserva Range is always Fun! Winery Direct from an exceptional Barolo Year! Fabulous, both in itself and as a contrast to Villero. Where Villero is delicate and persistent, all finesse, Rocche is much more forceful with a similar range of characters. Everything is darker, deeper and more. The glory of this pre-eminent cru is the combo of style and power; how such waves and complexities stay in such long and vibrant shape. A great Barolo here.
All aged releases hav
$244
$234ea in any 3+
$224ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Gabutti’ 2004
Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
The 2004 Riserva we see the parallels with the 2016, 2015 & 2008. The long structure is there, the complexity has built further, the wine is now fully comfortable wearing it's own skin, having resolved and built generosity. Of the 2015 it was clear that there was no chance to mistake the Gabutti, with its abundance of darker things; stock, porcini, graphite, smoke and black cherry. Under this very typical Serralunga ‘tarry/earthy’ mantle though, are other complexities of dried roses, orange
$244
$234ea in any 3+
$224ea in any 6+
Figli Luigi Oddero Barolo ‘Rocche Rivera’ 2010
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Straight from the cellars from one of Barolo's great years! Although not a Cru in its own right, Rocche Rivera is recognised as a position within the Scarrone Cru of great importance. Rocche Rivera has dizzying slopes to say the least, in the same vein as the adjacent Rocche di Castiglione, and generally shows an extra touch of perfumed elegance.
I haven't had the chance to try one of these yet, looking at the only vintage chart I have ever seen worth consideration, by Giuseppe Vajra, 2010 is
$395
$385ea in any 3+
$375ea in any 6+
Figli Luigi Oddero Barolo ‘Rocche Rivera’ 2004
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
A rare opportunity to try a beautiful wine from a beautiful vintage! Although not a Cru in its own right, Rocche Rivera is recognised as a position within the Scarrone Cru of great importance. Rocche Rivera has dizzying slopes to say the least, in the same vein as the adjacent Rocche di Castiglione, and generally shows an extra touch of perfumed elegance.
I haven't had the chance to try one of these yet, looking at the only vintage chart I have ever seen worth consideration, by Giuseppe Vajra
$395
$385ea in any 3+
$375ea in any 6+
The Playful!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Ravera = generosity with crunchy fruit and playful front mid-palate tannin, that Sordo élévage, so much fun! ‘Ravishing red’ as usual, a wave of roses and red cherry. Quite lush, but holds its shape as all that red rolls to the pinpoint, tingling finish. It’s no wonder Ravera has risen so much in people’s estimation over recent years. Serious Barolo of a distinct style.
$149
$144ea in any 3+
$139ea in any 6+
The Playful!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Monvigliero’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Verduno, Barolo
Opening with juby cherry fruit that resolved beautifully in the glass, a slight lift in the structural tannins compared with the Ravera, remaining plush & playful! The star cru of an otherwise workmanlike comune, this is exactly why Monvigliero is so widely appreciated. It has the range of generous Barolo things; cherry and strawberry notes now, probably in youthful mode, but with the usual cherry-skin, raisin and smoky elements just apparent. Overall such an ambassador for Barolo, just this sid
$149
$144ea in any 3+
$139ea in any 6+
The Super Stars!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Brooding and dark, bold structure, while still being supple. There's a trick! Tightly coiled it progressively opened. This will be a special wine in time. So much going on! Fabulous, both in itself and as a contrast to Villero. Where Villero is delicate and persistent, all finesse, Rocche is much more forceful with a similar range of characters. Everything is darker, deeper and more. The glory of this pre-eminent cru is the combo of style and power; how such waves and complexities stay in such l
$149
$144ea in any 3+
$139ea in any 6+
The Super Stars!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Villero’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Incredible perfume, so much intrigue. Felt like I was drinking and exceptional Chambolle-Musigny. Line and length of tannin and acid. Such harmony, beautiful fruit. Layers of tannin and flavour, great complexity. I love this! The most ‘Burgundian’ of these 8 cru, shimmering and transparent, signalling the elegance and finesse to unfold. A beautiful and intriguing wine with those Castiglione complexities of cranberry, strawberry, cherry-skin, dried flowers and herbs. Tannins are beautifully b
$210
$203ea in any 3+
$196ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Parussi’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Showing tannins of Castiglione Falletto, even and long. Darker and brooding. This is going to a cracker in time. Was immense after a day in the glass! This is the darkest of the 4 Castiglione cru, with its dark red fruits of cherry and cranberry. It usually shows more immediate plummy ripeness and overt generosity, but this time it’s more tightly wound. Plenty of texture and flavour, but needs time. A beauty.
$149
$144ea in any 3+
$139ea in any 6+
The Super Stars!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Monprivato’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Earthy and savoury with great depth and length. Incredible core of fruit. So many layers of flavour and tannin, just so much to get from this wine. Such purity, detail, so fine, it draws you in! The 4th wine made from this famous cru, which vies with Cannubi, Francia or either of the Rocches (of Serralunga and Castiglione Falletto) as the greatest name of Barolo. Until 2012 the Sordo family used their small parcel as part of the blend of their normale. It’s clear a great Barolo is emerging in
$265
$255ea in any 3+
$245ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Perno’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Took the second longest to reveal more of itself. Like the other wines in the bracket it demands time in the bottle. Perfume combined with secondary complexity the name of the game here! This is all Monforte, with giveaway blue fruits, violet, cherry liqueur and some mint. Firm, taut and fleshy, this is typical of this part of Perno, the Cerretta parcel, immediately adjoining Conterno-Fantino’s, with which it shares a similar darker ‘blue’ style. Tannins seem very ripe this year…but they
$149
$144ea in any 3+
$139ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Gabutti’ 2015
Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
Tightly coiled & brooding. Chewy old school tannins like the Perno. This will build into a fascinating wine as it resolves. If the 2008 Gabutti Riserva I had is anything to go by this will be a cracker given 5+ years in bottle! No chance to mistake this, with its abundance of darker things; stock, porcini, graphite, smoke and black cherry. Under this very typical Serralunga ‘tarry/earthy’ mantle though, are other complexities of dried roses, orange and spices. The firm and enlivening structu
$149
$144ea in any 3+
$139ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Perno’ 2010
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Lifting the level to Sordo's Riserva Range is always Fun! The wine has resolved beautifully now, the Monforte tannins are still there, the have softened the generosity of fruit has built and secondaries layered in. This is all Monforte, with giveaway blue fruits, violet, cherry liqueur and some mint. Sordo's Perno, is the Cerretta parcel, immediately adjoining Conterno-Fantino’s, with which it shares a similar darker ‘blue’ style. Well 2010, what can you say! Stunning year and it shows in
$180
$170ea in any 3+
$160ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Perno’ MAGNUM 2010
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Lifting the level to Sordo's Riserva Range is always Fun! The wine has resolved beautifully now, the Monforte tannins are still there, the have softened the generosity of fruit has built and secondaries layered in. This is all Monforte, with giveaway blue fruits, violet, cherry liqueur and some mint. Sordo's Perno, is the Cerretta parcel, immediately adjoining Conterno-Fantino’s, with which it shares a similar darker ‘blue’ style. Well 2010, what can you say! Stunning year and it shows in
$372
$362ea in any 3+
$352ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Gabutti’ 2008
Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
The 2008 Riserva we see the parallels with the 2015. The long structure is there, the complexity has built further, the wine is now fully comfortable wearing it's own skin, having resolved and built generosity. Of the 2015 it was clear that there was no chance to mistake the Gabutti, with its abundance of darker things; stock, porcini, graphite, smoke and black cherry. Under this very typical Serralunga ‘tarry/earthy’ mantle though, are other complexities of dried roses, orange and spices. T
$198
$191ea in any 3+
$184ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo Riserva ‘Gabutti’ MAGNUM 2008
Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
The 2008 Riserva we see the parallels with the 2015. The long structure is there, the complexity has built further, the wine is now fully comfortable wearing it's own skin, having resolved and built generosity. Of the 2015 it was clear that there was no chance to mistake the Gabutti, with its abundance of darker things; stock, porcini, graphite, smoke and black cherry. Under this very typical Serralunga ‘tarry/earthy’ mantle though, are other complexities of dried roses, orange and spices. T
$399
$384ea in any 3+
$369ea in any 6+
The Super Stars!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ 2013
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
"Very serious and brooding nose, with rusty iron and fresh blood. Super-layered palate with depth and great presence. Palate is pretty and delicate, yet also very serious with a deep core of darker fruit, rusty iron and some fresh leather. Great length with lovely lingering tannins." Peter Godden, Neb Guru.
Fabulous, both in itself and as a contrast to Villero. Where Villero is delicate and persistent, all finesse, Rocche is much more forceful with a similar range of characters. Everything is d
$165
$158ea in any 3+
$151ea in any 6+
The Bold!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Perno’ 2013
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Bigger than most other wines, with more grunt in all respects. Complex. Chewy and very full palate with a wall of tannins. Meaty flavours with some ironstone. Old-school. Peter Godden, Neb Guru
This is all Monforte, with giveaway blue fruits, violet, cherry liqueur and some mint. Firm, taut and fleshy, this is typical of this part of Perno, the Cerretta parcel, immediately adjoining Conterno-Fantino’s, with which it shares a similar darker ‘blue’ style. Tannins seem very ripe this year�
$165
$158ea in any 3+
$151ea in any 6+
The Super Stars!
Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ MAGNUM 2015
Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo
Brooding and dark, bold structure, while still being supple. There's a trick! Tightly coiled it progressively opened. This will be a special wine in time. So much going on! Fabulous, both in itself and as a contrast to Villero. Where Villero is delicate and persistent, all finesse, Rocche is much more forceful with a similar range of characters. Everything is darker, deeper and more. The glory of this pre-eminent cru is the combo of style and power; how such waves and complexities stay in such l
$299
$289ea in any 3+
$279ea in any 6+
You must be logged in to post a comment.