G D Vajra Barolo "Bricco delle Viole" DOCG 2020 (Piedmont, Italy) - [JD 98] [WE 96] [VM 96] [WS 96] [DM 95]

G D Vajra Barolo "Bricco delle Viole" DOCG 2020
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JD 98] [WE 96] [VM 96] [WS 96] [DM 95]


Regular price $155.00 Sale price $109.97 Save $45.03
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JD98 WE96 VM96 WS96 DM95
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About the Vineyard:
Among the historical vineyards of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is the highest and the closest to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 meters above sea level, on the Western ridge of the village. Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates from the flowers that blossom early, thanks to the perfect south exposure. Up above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset every day. Thanks to this pure light, a dramatic diuturnal temperature range and the age of its vines dating back to 1931, Bricco delle Viole generates a profound Barolo of bright aromatics, chiseled tannins and subtle minerality.

Technical Information:

VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo.

VINEYARD AND TERROIR: Bricco delle Viole MGA, Comune di Barolo.

GROWING: 2020 is a truly remarkable vintage and one of the longest of the decade.
It started off with an anticipated bud break and slowed down throughout spring
and summer, resulting in a late harvest. An abundant flowering, from May 12th, set the stage for perfumy, aerial and redtone dominated wines. Numerous rainfalls, well into July, resulted in a less regular fruit set, much more work in the vineyards, but also milder temperatures, leading to an estimated vegetative cycle of 213 days. Great aromatics, varietal authenticity and gorgeous tannins are the signatures of 2020. 

HARVEST AND WINEMAKING: In 2020, fruit was harvested over three days, on October 7th, 10th and13th. Grapes were sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. A traditional vinification was carried in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch downs and rinsing of the cap, followed by an extensive period of maceration under submerged cap (cappello sommerso) that lasted 57 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel in the following spring.

AGING: 28 months of aging in large Slavonian casks of 25 and 50 hectoliters. Bottled on July 12th 2023.

Vintage:
In 2020, fruit was harvested over three days, on October 7th, 10th and13th. Grapes were sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. A traditional vinification was carried in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch downs and rinsing of the cap, followed by an extensive period of maceration under submerged cap (cappello sommerso) that lasted 57 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel in the following spring

Tasting Notes:
2020 Bricco delle Viole is a wine of finesse and mystery. Enticing nose of blue violets, dried rose petals, kirsch, blood orange. The palate is elegant, driven by tapered energy and youthful tannins that promise a very long aging potential. Long lasting finish upholstered with whiffles of cherry, wild berries and a subtle minerality. 

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A ripe ruby color, the 2020 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is incredible on the nose. Initially lightly smoky on opening, it needs a little time to reveal notes of candied roses, wild raspberries, tea leaf, and sweet sage. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, a balanced, compact nature, and a velvety texture, it is nicely concentrated, yet with a weightless feel. This is one of the most complete wines I’ve tasted from Vjara to date. It has depth, but with a defined feel, and is long on the palate, with an exceptional finish. It’s going to have a wide drinking window but age at a very slow rate over the next two to three decades. The G.D. Vajra estate is based within the commune of Barolo, with the entire family contributing and Giuseppe and Aldo Vajra at the helm of the winemaking responsibilities. Giuseppe, who took more of a leadership role in 2008, has been instrumental in continuing to develop the family estate, while Isidoro Vajra leads in vineyard management. Most recently they have completed the expansion of their cellar space and offices. They are also now releasing their wines a touch later to allow for additional time in bottle to soften any harsh edges. As of the 2019 vintage, both the G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana estates are certified organic. (Drink between 2024-2054)" - (May 2024)

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
" The nose of this Barolo is exhilarating, with spiced cherries, damson alongside warmed violets in blossom. Notes of leather, truffle, and forest floor add depth that keep flowing from the glass. The palate is a panoply of cherries in all their glory: fresh, macerated, preserved, you name it, it is there. Accompanied by sweet tea with cola and sassafras that lead to supple tannins that provide needed structure without overpowering the wine.Lifted acidity keeps each sip pure and fresh, making the bottle empty too soon. Drink Now - 2045" - Jeff Porter (Sep 2024)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
" The 2020 Barolo Bricco delle Viole, Vajra's flagship, is very fine. Dark cherry, kirsch, blood orange, spice and lavender are nicely amplified. The 2020 is gracious and elegant, but its youthful Nebbiolo tannins will require some time to soften. The 2020 is another wine that captures my keen interests with its sublime balance. I would be thrilled to own it. (Drink between 2026-2040)- Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
" Elegant and graceful, with a silky texture, this red evokes strawberry, cherry, rose, mint and mineral aromas and flavors. Firmly structured and lively, with balance and a resonant, energetic finish. Shows superb harmony, finesse and length. Best from 2027 through 2048. 1,250 cases made, 700 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Nov 2024)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
" Historically, Bricco delle Viole has the highest elevation of Barolo and remains the highest of the Vajra bottlings. Picked over three days, which is quite tight for GD Vajra, The Bricco seems advanced and mature already. Giuseppe chalks this up to the vintage. The wine vines have a roundness and early maturity from 1931, 1949 and 1968 plantings. Smoky violets and crushed slate mark the aromatics. A palate of dried strawberries and purple plum flesh offer fruitiness, followed by minerality and lift from crushed red stones, and mace and clove deliver a sweet spiciness to the finish. (Drink between 2024-2039)" - Clive Pursehouse (Mar 2024)