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G. D. VAJRA 2019 Bricco Delle Viole BAROLO
G. D. VAJRA 2019 Bricco Delle Viole BAROLO
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$130.00 USD
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The 2019 Bricco delle Viole Barolo from G.D. Vajra is a remarkable expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barolo’s most celebrated vineyards, located in the commune of Barolo in Piedmont, Italy. Crafted by the Vajra family, who have tended this site since the 1880s, this wine reflects their deep commitment to tradition, organic farming, and a hands-off approach that lets the terroir shine. The Bricco delle Viole vineyard is notable for its high elevation—rising from 400 to 480 meters above sea level—making it the loftiest in Barolo and the closest to the Alps. Its name, “Hill of Violets,” nods to the early-blooming violets fostered by its south-facing exposure, and its position above the fog line ensures long days of pure sunlight, with dramatic temperature swings that enhance complexity.
The 2019 vintage in Barolo is widely regarded as exceptional, marked by slow, even ripening that yielded wines of elegance, structure, and longevity. For this wine, the Vajra family sourced grapes from vines planted as far back as 1931 and 1949, grown in the distinctive Sant’Agata marl soils rich with fossils. The winemaking process is meticulous yet minimal: hand-harvested Nebbiolo is fermented with native yeasts, followed by a long maceration—sometimes up to 40 days—to extract depth and finesse. Aging occurs in large Slavonian oak casks for around 30 months, softening the tannins while preserving the wine’s vibrant character. The result is a Barolo with about 14% alcohol, certified organic since 2019, and bottled without fining or filtration.
In the glass, the 2019 Bricco delle Viole presents a jeweled ruby hue with garnet edges. The nose is captivating, offering a delicate yet profound bouquet of fresh roses, violets, wild mint, and licorice, layered with black cherry, graphite, and mineral hints of crushed stone. On the palate, it’s medium-to-full-bodied, with a refined acid spine and chiseled, fine-grained tannins that provide a noble structure. Flavors unfold with graceful concentration—juicy red cherry, blood orange, and spice mingle with a saline mineral vein, leading to a resonant, expansive finish. Though reticent in its youth, it hints at immense potential, balancing depth with energy.
Critics have lauded this vintage. Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner gave it 97+ points, praising its “delicate and ethereal expression” and solid build, suggesting a drinking window of 2025–2050. Jeb Dunnuck also awarded 97+ points, calling it possibly the best Vajra wine he’s tasted, with “incredible length and no harsh edges,” drinkable now but ideal from 2025–2045. Vinous’s Antonio Galloni scored it 97, noting its “beguiling combination of depth and energy” and a brooding nature that promises evolution through 2049. Wine Spectator’s 96 points highlighted its “vibrant acidity and fluid profile,” recommending 2027–2048.
This Barolo embodies the Vajra signature: verticality, bright aromatics, and subtle minerality, shaped by the vineyard’s unique perch and the family’s patient craft. It’s a wine for savoring now with decanting or cellaring for decades, pairing beautifully with truffle risotto, braised beef, or aged cheeses. Production is limited—around 15,000 bottles, based on past vintages like 2016—making it a sought-after gem from a golden era of Barolo.
