Super sought-after wines from stellar vintage at G.D. Vajra
“The Vaira family has turned out a magnificent set of Barolos at both their own winery and at Baudana,” wrote Vinous Media‘s Antonio Galloni of the rare-as-hen’s-teeth 2016s. “As always, the Barolos are all about finesse and nuance, very much like an artists’ pencil etchings, where all the lines are totally delineated,” he continued. “At Baudana, the wines are naturally more muscular, but that is Serralunga, after all. Most importantly, the Vairas have developed a personal style that melds classicism with a level of approachability that makes these wines so alluring, even upon release.”
It’s high praise but nothing the Vaira family isn’t used to. Their deft touch, thoughtful approach and uplifting wines have resonated with Australian wine-lovers for years.
This broad-ranging release will deepen that affinity.
“This is a terrific offering from G.D Vajra, with innovative and clever wines,” wrote Monica Larner of Wine Advocate. “Congratulations on these gorgeous wines.”
2019 G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo $54
Our focus for the Langhe Nebbiolo is aromatic purity. The fruit comes from our young vines in Barolo, Novello, Sinio and Bricco Bertone. The grapes are handpicked early in the morning so as to capture their quintessential character. Vinification is long and extremely gentle in order to retain lift and tension in this wine.
Nebbiolo is usually harvested between the second half of September and the beginning of October. Picking decisions are individual to each site, and we sometimes opt for multiple passages to respect the diversity of each vine. Fermentation lasts for an average of 15-20 days in vertical vats, and is followed by spontaneous malolactic conversion. Our Langhe Nebbiolo is usually aged for 8 to 14 months. It is a wide range, in order to respect the uniqueness of each vintage and patiently wait for the optimal bottling time. Most of the ageing is carried out in stainless-steel vats, with a minor fraction of the wine being matured in neutral oak – but only when needed. – Giuseppe Vaira
2016 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe $108
Red cherry, raspberry, roses, almond biscotti, mint and exotic spices. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and bright in red fruit flavour, but with a savoury tobacco and dried herb edge. Tannin is firm, with a fine chalk dust texture, and clean acidity drives it along so nicely. Finish is firm and long, with a pretty perfume as it goes. Charming, yet serious. It’s a really good release.
94+ points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
2016 Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana $182
Quite pretty, floral, dried roses, dried cherry, a bit of mineral. Full-bodied, but kind of light on its feet, succulent, dried strawberry, fresh and lively, a juicy orange and dried mint character, tannin grips gently, but feels dry and mineral, and the finish is again all red fruits layered in with spice. And long. Quite the charmer.
95+ points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front