Barbaresco DOCG, Azienda Agricola Angelo Gaja, Barbaresco, 2015

The 2015 growing season in Piedmont was both challenging and ultimately rewarding: the heat concentrated phenols with particular intensity in Nebbiolo, producing wines of power, density, and exceptional aromatic purity. Gaja's response to this year is a Barbaresco of beautifully perfumed, precisely drawn character. The bouquet delivers crunchy red cherry, freshly plucked rose petals, violets, and exotic spice with a clarity that speaks directly to the estate's commitment to site expression. The palate shows power and density held together by layers of red cherry, blueberry, sour red plum, and the characteristic grippy, chalky tannins of Nebbiolo at its finest. Mineral tones of crushed oyster shell and talc add an unexpected and deeply pleasing dimension. A wine that will improve for a decade and age beautifully for two beyond that.