2009 G.D. Vajra, Barbera D’ Alba, Piedmonte, Italy.
This stunning Barbera is one to look for, and sadly it is not easy to find, but surly rewarding to those lucky few that do. G.D. Vajra is really the cat’s meow when it comes to quality wines from this iconic region with a fantastic lineup of wines that includes everything from Barolo to Riesling! The Vajra Freisa is mind-blowing if you are looking for rarities and the Dolcetto is another gem, but I think the sleeper is this wonderfully crafted Barbera that is a pure as it gets and showcases the grape in it’s best light making for a wine that delivers pleasure far above the normal expectations of the varietal which still seems to get a bit overlooked by the mainstream wine drinker, but is sublime when done right. The 2009 G.D. Vajra Barbera D’ Alba is deep in color and flavor with a purple/garnet hue and richly layered with blackberry, currant and cherry fruits leading the way with hints of spice, anise, mineral and savory herbs and loamy earthy notes. A fresh core of acidity keeps things vibrant and focused bringing all attention on it’s balance and pretty details. Drink this wine now and through 2018, as it is great now, though there is room for some interesting complexities to develop over the next 5 years.
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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