![G D Vajra Barolo "Coste di Rose" DOCG 2020 (Piedmont, Italy) - [WS 96] [JD 96] [WE 94] [DM 94] [VM 93]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/pf6ezabhvo3fjmpjeoda_{width}x.jpg?v=1731459950)
G D Vajra Barolo "Coste di Rose" DOCG 2020
(Piedmont, Italy) - [WS 96] [JD 96] [WE 94] [DM 94] [VM 93]
Regular price $120.00 Sale price $89.97 Save $30.03
About the Vineyard:
Coste di Rose is one of Barolo’s best kept secrets. It is located on a steep slope, hidden from the village, that rises from Bosco della Fava and descends swiftly towards Monforte d’Alba. A dune of pure sandstone with a unique soil composition that marks Barolo DOCG Coste di Rose with its distinctive character: tones of cherry and rose petals, mint and sweet spices, a silky tannin
and a juicy sip.
Technical Information:
VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo.
VINEYARD AND TERROIR: Coste di Rose MGA, Comune di Barolo.
GROWING: In 1971, Aldo Vajra, then still a university student, was one of the earliest to adopt organic farming in Piemonte. Vineyards have been nurtured, and soil preserved, by grassing and spontaneous cover crop for almost 50 years now. They are sustainable and organic certified. With an incredible ratio of manual work per hectare, farming at Vajra is a labor of love and “recipe-free” attention.Intense research is also placed into monitoring and improving the biodiversity of both flora and fauna not just in the vineyards, but also in the winery fields and forests.
HARVEST AND WINEMAKING: In 2020 fruit was harvested on October 1st, destemmed and vinified in custom-designed tini. Vinification lasted 39 days, eventually under a submerged cap. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in the following Spring.
AGING: 28 months in large Slavonian casks of 25 and 40 hectoliters. Bottled on
July 10th 2023.
Vintage:
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.
Tasting Notes:
The 2020 Barolo Coste di Rose is elegant and finessed, with serious structure beneath. Hibiscus, red berries, black cherries, mint, white pepper and all sweet spices all emerge from the glass. The palate presents chiseled tannins with delicate floral tones. In the signature of the vineyard, it is forward and approachable, yet with an amazing perspective ahead.
Ratings & Reviews
" 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)
"Aged for 28 months in cask, the bright ruby 2020 Barolo Coste Di Rose was a little more reserved at this tasting. It reveals a hint of blood orange citrus along with its notes of cola, ripe strawberries, and raspberries. Medium-bodied, it has finely tensioned tannins and a clean, mouthwatering finish. It’s a very pretty wine. Drink 2026-2046. 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 2026-2046)" - (May 2024)
"A Barolo of remarkable elegance and complexity. Lifted aromas of mixed wild berries, candied rose petals, cinnamon, and whole clove, are accompanied by warm, earthy notes. Tart cherries and cranberries dominate the palate, with woodsy undertones and chewy tannins that provide heft without overpowering. Savory and medicinal herbs linger on the finish, making this a captivating expression of this renowned cru. Drink Now - 2045" - Jeff Porter (Sep 2024)
" The 2020 vintage had good weather during flowering; Giuseppe believes this impacts the wines tremendously; whether it was lack of pollution during the lockdown, he considers that vine rows flowered gorgeously in the Barolo communes. The result is a vintage of fruitiness. He used more extended skin contacts to balance the fruitiness with a good structure for longevity's sake. Between bud break and picking was about 203 days; long and late picking is a blessing for Nebbiolo Vajra believes. Coste di Rose has the lowest elevation of the Vajra vineyards, and the newest, 2015, was the first vintage. It's relatively unknown even though it is pretty central between Canubi and Brunate. Red fruited and forward, perhaps with less structure, red and blue berries, mouthfuls of lavender and clove, and raspberry leaf offer a bright, herbaceous character that lifts the finish. (Drink between 2024-2039)" - Clive Pursehouse (Mar 2024)
" The 2020 Barolo Coste di Rose is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice are nicely woven together. The Coste di Rose is offers tons of sheer appeal, in a sensual, open-knit style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. (Drink between 2025-2035)" - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)