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2017 G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana Barolo Pre-Sale

2017 G.D. Vajra Barolo Pre-Sale

The Vajra family produced a bevy of stellar wines from both their estates, G.D. Vajra in Barolo and Baudana in Serralunga. The 2017s are deep, fleshy and impeccably balanced.

"Most of our work in the vineyard is done by June," Aldo Vajra told me. "What vines don't like are sudden changes, so we try to do most of our work early. It's not just the heat that is an issue, but also direct sunlight on the berries. In 2017 we left a little more fruit on the vine in order to maintain freshness and delay harvest as much as possible."

Antonio Galloni, Vinous “2017 Barolo: Here We Go Again” (Feb. 2021)

G.D. Vajra Barolo “Albe” $40

Notes: Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.” 93 Points Wine Enthusiast  84 cases coming in.

G.D. Vajra Barolo “Coste di Rose $65

Notes:  Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.”  96 Points Wine Enthusiast. 23 cases coming in.

G.D. Vajra Barolo “Ravera” $90

Notes:  From the township of Novello and from what is now widely recognized as one of the denomination’s top vineyard sites, this is just stunning, offering intense aromas of wild berries, new leather, floral notes, camphor and grilled herb. The delicious, structured palate shows finesse and power, featuring ripe red cherry, blood orange, cedar, licorice and mineral notes suggesting tangy iron. Noble tannins provide support. Reflecting the vintage, this won’t need years to come around but will also age well for at least another decade. 97 Points Wine Enthusiast. 35 cases coming in.

G.D. Vajra Barolo “Bricco delle Viole” $90

Notes:  Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced.”  96 Points Wine Enthusiasts. 45 cases coming in.

2017 Luigi Baudana Barolo Pre-Sale

Luigi Baudana Barolo “Serralunga d’Alba” $60

Notes:  The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba may very well turn out to be one of the best wines of the year in its peer group. Dark and wonderfully expressive, yet also light on its feet for a Serralunga Barolo, the 2017 has so much going on. Black cherry, plum, spice, gravel, cured meats, lavender and sage all meld together in this dark yet translucent Barolo.   93 Points Vinous.   10 cases coming in.

Luigi Baudana Barolo “Baudana” $90

Notes:  The 2017 Barolo Baudana is such a gorgeous wine. It, too conveys the power of Serralunga, but with a bit less heft than is typically the case. Sweet dark cherry, iron, cedar, rose petal, mint and white pepper give the 2017 its effusive, inviting personality. This is such a tremendous showing.  95 Points Vinous.  10 cases coming in.

Luigi Baudana Barolo “Cerretta” $90

Notes:  A dark, somber wine, the 2017 Barolo Cerretta shows the more potent, brooding side of Serralunga. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, cured meats, cloves and menthol add to an impression of virile intensity and pure power. Readers will have to be patient here, but there is certainly a ton to look forward to. This is another impressive showing from Baudana and the Vajra family.  95 Points Vinous.  10 cases coming in.

These wines are due to arrive around July or August.  Please contact me with what you'd like.  At this point I'm just asking for people to give me the quantity of the 2017's you'd like.  Once the wines arrive I'll send you an invoice to be paid. 

 santo@raincitywines.com