Gaja’s Iconic 2015 Single Vineyard Barbaresco Release

Angelo Gaja has been referred to as the “King of Barbaresco” and his single vineyard Costa Russi, Sorì Tildìn and Sorì San Lorenzo Barbarescos are some of the most revered wines in Italy.

Beautifully complex with great ageing potential, these magical wines are the pinnacle of Barbaresco. Since 2013, they have been made from 100% Nebbiolo, without Barbera, allowing the wines to be classified as Barbaresco for the first time since the 1996 vintage. According to Gaia Gaja, Angelo’s daughter, the aim was “to pursue the pure expression of the Nebbiolo variety.”

The 2015 vintage is an excellent year with great promise. After a cold winter and damp spring, temperatures rose steadily in July. The vines responded well and conditions leading up to the harvest allowed the grapes to produce exceptionally regular bunches with intense flavours. The 2015s are richer and deeper than the previous vintage, with smoother textures, but have “intense aromas and lovely energy”, according to Gaia. They are attractive in their youth but have the power and complexity for long ageing.

We are delighted to release Gaja’s Costa Russi, Sorì Tildìn and Sorì San Lorenzo 2015 at a special en primeur price of £1,985 until the end of September when the price will increase to £2,190 per case. These wines have always been in high demand but the release is smaller than usual this year so we strongly advise you to contact our Private Clients team as soon as possible.

Shipment anticipated December 2018.

Barbaresco Costa Russi 2015

£1,985 per 6 Bottles In Bond
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Gaja’s Costa Russi is often the most aromatic and expressive of the single vineyard wines. The 2015 retains this personality with a fragrant bouquet of strawberries, cherries, dried rose petals and herbs. On the palate, succulent tannins balance bright red fruit characters which are enveloped by darker mulberry and blackberry flavours as the wine evolves. On the finish, delicate spices and dried herbs add further complexity. This is a beautifully balanced and generous wine with lovely depth and, whilst appealing now, will mature well for twenty years or more. Drink 2020 – 2035.
Armit Wines

The 2015 Barbaresco Costa Russi was about to be bottled before I tasted it. Like the other wines from this warm vintage, you are treated to extra plushness and roundness with dark berry fruit intensity. This wine also offers unexpected mineral tones that come off as crushed oyster shell and talc powder. These add to the drying, almost nervous, tension you feel in the mouth.
93 Points, Monica Larner

Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn 2015

£1,985 per 6 Bottles In Bond
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With its expansive bouquet and refined structure, this wine is often regarded as Gaja’s quintessential expression of Nebbiolo. The 2015 has complex aromas of strawberries and lavender with hints of sweet smoke and savoury spice. Layers of intense red fruits on the palate lead to darker flavours of black cherry and wild plums balanced by smooth tannins and a refreshing mineral quality. While approachable now, this wine has serious depth with plenty of ageing potential. Drink 2022 – 2040.
Armit Wines

The 2015 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn is dense and compact with smoky layers of black fruit, crushed mineral and black truffle. This growing site always produces robust and opulent wines, but these characteristics are hammered home even more so in the hot 2015 vintage. The wine graciously offers enough acidity to achieve balance and remind you of its pedigree. Barbaresco usually opens and evolves faster than Barolo. I think you can count on this wine to reach the start of its drinking window within the next decade.
93 Points, Monica Larner

Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo 2015

£1,985 per 6 Bottles In Bond
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Made from old vines on steep, south facing slopes with poor soils, this is the most powerful of the single vineyard Barbarescos with the potential to age for 40 years or more. The 2015 follows this style with an intense bouquet of black cherries mingled with notes of blackberries, wild herbs and Mediterranean spices. The palate shows remarkable concentration with dark fruits and succulent tannins. Subtle notes of liquorice and an attractive mineral character on the finish add complexity. Multi-layered with impressive length, this is a beautifully balanced wine which could be enjoyed in a few years but will certainly benefit from more time in bottle before drinking. A majestic wine. Drink 2025 – 2050.
Armit Wines

The 2015 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo offers a complex bouquet with dark fruit, crushed mineral and grilled herb. This wine is very robust in terms of structure and therefore needs extra time in the bottle before it finds its proverbial sweet spot. You need patience to reap those excellent benefits. Drink after 2022.
95 Points, Monica Larner