Barolo 'Albe' Vajra, Piedmont, 2016

HOLY SPIRITS VIEW
Athila personally knows the Vajra brothers now for over a decade. They manage to combine both concentration and perfume whilst retaining elegance, a balance hard to find in Barolo. Hailing from the exceptional 2016 vintage, there aren't many "bargain" Barolos out there so this one is an exception as it provides exceptional value for money at this quality level.
 
THE OFFICIAL BLURB
Based in Vergne, the highest village in the commune of Barolo, GD Vajra is a relatively young estate. It was established by Aldo Vajra in 1972, when he was just 16. His father had planted vineyards in 1947 but called Aldo “mad” when he followed his childhood dream to become a winemaker. Taking over the family estate in 1968, he became one of the early pioneers of organic farming, and in 1971 the estate became one of the first in Piedmont to be organically certified. Until now, Vajra’s wines have somewhat flown under the radar, but it’s with good reason that the estate has been described as “one of Piedmont’s best kept secrets… with sublime hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level”.
 
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of woodland berry, new leather, camphor and pressed rose waft out of the glass. Juicy and delicious, the chewy palate doles out succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and white pepper. Polished tannins and fresh acidity give it an immediate appeal but this also offers several years of drinking pleasure. Drink through 2028. Editor's choice.
- 94 points, Erin o'Keefe for WineEnthusiast.com