Gaja - Barbaresco 2020

JAMES SUCKLING: "So many aromas of fresh rose petals as well as hibiscus tea. Medium-bodied with crunchy and flowery character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. So appealing with lovely structure. Chewy at the end. Drinkable but better in three or four years."

WEINWISSER: "Duftig und komplex mit Aromen von reifen Walderdbeeren, Sauerkirsche, Himbeere und Blutorange, herrlich floral mit Rosenblättern. Am Gaumen wunderbar saftig mit feinem Grip und gekonnt konzentrierter rotbeeriger Frucht, wirkt trotz des warmen, charmanten Jahres sehr jugendlich-griffig mit fast knackiger Frucht, die nobel arrangierten Tannine und packenden, feinen Säueradern geben zusätzlich Frische und Verve. Mir scheint, als würde hier ein Stilwechsel hin zu früherer Lese und mehr Frische stattfinden."

DECANTER: "Depth, structure and complexity are the hallmarks of Nebbiolo, and this wine certainly delivers but also offers a juicy helping of fresh berry fruits. It is blended from 14 different sites throughout the Barbaresco DOCG with an average of 40 years of vine age. Barbaresco is the wine that launched the Gaja legacy in 1859. Aromatics of spiced orange peel, an assertive bouquet of dried purple florals and a touch of dried mint. The palate balances the savoury character of baking chocolate and fennel seed with an abundance of ripe red berry fruits—notes of strawberry and balsamic, raspberries and fresh mint and dried tobacco. There is ample structure, but a stylistic transition in more recent vintages of Barbaresco makes this wine immediately drinkable."

FALSTAFF: "Aufhellendes Rubingranat, funkelt. Überaus duftiger Ansatz in der Nase nach Pfirsich und Granatapfel, dann frische Zwetschke, wirkt überaus frisch. Am Gaumen viel saftige Frucht, öffnet sich mit elegantem, geschliffenem Tannin, feine Himbeernote, hallt sehr lange nach."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The Gaja 2020 Barbaresco reveals a slow and steady approach with elegant Nebbiolo nuances, lots of pretty intensity and bright primary fruit all the way to the far end of the mouthfeel. The bouquet has hints of toasted cumin, spice and cured leather. There's special depth to the mouthfeel that is pushed forward by freshness, integrated tannins and savory earthy end notes. The style is modern-classic."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This round red is woven with cherry, raspberry, mineral, eucalyptus and hay flavors. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that lend support on the lively finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 750 cases imported."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Youthful, just mid ruby. Expressive, cool, sweetly perfumed red-fruit nose with a whiff of spicy new oak. Elegant, fresh raspberry fruit and with lively acidity and crunchy tannins that stick to the palate. Vibrant."