2020 G.D Vajra Barolo Albe

A blend of elevated sites across Barolo, this wine is built as a balanced, complete wine that will mature very well in the cellar.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

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Sale price$100.00
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Description

The 'Albe' is Giuseppe Vaira's tip of the cap to the great Piemontese winemakers of the 1950s and 1960s.

During those times, the general philosophy for many of the winemakers in the region was to combine Nebbiolo from the best Cru vineyards in order to create a more 'complete' wine. Today, single vineyard bottlings have become much more in vogue, however, there's still a place for a truly great blend.

'Albe' is blended from multiple higher elevation Barolo vineyards with exposures that range from south-south-east to south-west.

It's a regal, powerful wine that has balance placed at a premium.

Looking for a Barolo for the cellar? Come back to this in 10-15 years and you'll be glad you made the purchase.

94 points - “You can’t beat this value. The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Albe is buttoned up with fresh primary fruit, and the wine does not have that hint of over-ripeness that is found across this vintage. The fruit is dark and savory, and there is a big mineral component to match, but the bouquet is nicely redolent of dark currant, plum, granite and a raspy dry note that brings crushed shale to mind. The tannins are quite impactful, and they give this wine extra runway for moderate bottle aging.” - Monica Larner (The Wine Advocate)

93 points - “This is a bright and lively Barolo showing sliced oranges, raspberries, crushed stones and rose petals on the nose. Medium-bodied, with sharp acidity and tight tannins. Lots of energy.” - Zekun Shuai (JamesSuckling.com)

90 points - “The 2020 Barolo Albe is light-bodied, elegant and gracious. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and dried herbs are all nicely lifted. Bright acids and nervy tannins give the wine its shape and overall character. The Albe is meant to be an entry-level offering, but I find it often blossoms with a year or two in bottle. The Albe is not terribly complex in 2020, but it’s a delight.” - Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

16/20 - “Described as ‘the first post-modernist Barolo’. Great to drink young yet ageworthy, too. Blend of three high vineyards, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne in the commune of Barolo, each vinified separately. Maceration is 20–30 days. No more than 18 months in botte for the last 15 years or so. They want to keep freshness and decide on the exact blend for Albe only just before bottling. Intense, mineral and racy. Edgy and quite modern. But a bit dry on the end.” - Jancis Robinson (JancisRobinson.com)

Customer Reviews

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
2 reviews
  • CK
    Chris K.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    3 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Reviewing
    2019 G.D Vajra Barolo Albe
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    2017 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe

    Sumptuous and as far as Barolo’s go very drinkable now but if you’re patient will reward you in a few years time. I’m not that patient

  • KH
    Krysty H.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    3 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Reviewing
    2019 G.D Vajra Barolo Albe
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Beautiful Wine - Easy to Order

    2017 G.D Varja Barollo Albe is just a beautiful drop!

    Ordering through Different Drop was easy and seamless. Wine was delivered on time and as promised

    Will be ordering again through these guys in the near future

Albe is a tribute to the masters of the 1950s and 60s, to those winemakers who had the vision and the taste to blend some of the most amazing crus in order to achieve a Barolo of balance and charm.

Barolo Albe opens up with a bright, expressive nose. Red
currant, cherries, macerated strawberries and mint are interlaced with floral tones and hints of rosehip, rhubarb, red fig, hawthorn, lavender and licorice. The palate is generous, layered and youthful, with ripe tannins and a classic finish on tones of marasca cherry.

Region: Langhe, Italy
Blend:
ABV: 14.00%
Closure: 750ml
Bottle Size:
Production:

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Nebbiolo
Country Italy
Region Piedmont
Size 750ml
Vintage 2020
Closure Cork

G.D. Vajra

G.D. Vajra is a small, artisanal family producer and one of the benchmark modern day producers in Barolo.

The wines are now made by the family's second generation, with Giuseppe in the winemaking driver's seat supported by his siblings; Isidoro and Francesca under the watchful eye of father and founder Aldo and their mother Milena.

These are stunning examples of the regional staple varieties, made with one eye on tradition and one on progression. With holdings in the commune of Barolo as well as Novello, Sinio and Serralunga, they cover some of the most sought-after terroir in the region and make the most of it.

As noted wine writer Antonio Galloni once wrote, theirs is “a world of sublime hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level”.

The Vaira family - Barolo, Italy G.D. Vajra

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