2014 G.D. Vajra, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Piedmonte, Italy.
The new Vajra Dolcetto is bright, tangy and full of personality, even in what was a fairly trying vintage, and it delivers it’s usual excellence with charm, poise and style, this is another beauty from Giuseppe Vajra. Coming from vines in the heart of the Barolo zone the 2014 G.D. Vajra Dolcetto starts with a deep ruby red color and a nose that has dark berry, herbs, spice and light floral tones leading to a zesty youthful palate of black cherry, tart cranberry, a peachy/citrusy juicy note and a plum fruit core along with wild fennel, dried currant, a hint of wet earth, grey salt, oyster shell and a touch of vine picked wild berry. There is vivid acidity and feather light tannins in this lighter style Dolcetto, there is a sense of vintage and terroir marking this wine and while not as gorgeous and expressive as 2010 or 2011, this lovely Dolcetto is worth searching out, as are all of Vajra’s offerings. As well as this little gem, you should really keep an eye out for the Vajra Riesling, easily the best Italian dry example of this grape, their Barolo bottlings of course, and the Freisa Kye, an exotic and stunning impression. No question, if you love Barbera, Nebbiolo or Dolcetto you should be already a Vajra fan, and this 2014 Dolcetto d’Alba is a really fine place to start if you’ve not had a chance to try these wines, it really is a nice red that is pure joy in the glass, drink from 2015 to 2019.
($22 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
