G.D. Vajra
About G.D. Vajra
Founded in the 1960s by the Vaira family, their glorious estate is quite simply one of “Piedmont’s top echelon growers” according to Monica Larner (Wine Advocate). Their focus is on excellence throughout the range, crafting truly artisanal wines of stunning precision, subtle power and exceptional quality. Larner adds that it is “the wines that do the talking here, and they do that ever so eloquently”.
Viniculture
With vineyards in the westerly commune of Barolo, these wines are not powerful like those further east in Serrlunga or Monforte. They are, however, supremely elegant and fresh, with comparisons to Burgundy often made. Aldo Vajra heads up the estate and he follows traditional practices like long stints in big barrels but is not so stubborn not to adapt when it makes sense, like controlling the temperature of the fermentation. These are wines that are known for their beautiful and delicate perfumes, a real testament to the winemaking skills of Aldo.
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$476.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
A tribute to local tradition, the 2014 Barolo Albe represents an assembly of fruit from various vineyard plots throughout the area. Winemaking is classic in approach with a 25-day maceration period and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This vintage shows silky, fine lines and a more accessible approach for near and medium-term drinking. I would recommend a few more years of bottle aging, however, to allow the wine the time to grow in texture and mouthfeel.$455.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
A tribute to local tradition, the 2014 Barolo Albe represents an assembly of fruit from various vineyard plots throughout the area. Winemaking is classic in approach with a 25-day maceration period and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This vintage shows silky, fine lines and a more accessible approach for near and medium-term drinking. I would recommend a few more years of bottle aging, however, to allow the wine the time to grow in texture and mouthfeel.$214.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Wine Spectator (93)
Pretty, featuring rose, cherry, raspberry and mint flavors, with a touch of mineral. Supple, harmonious and elegant, offering a long finish. The aftertaste is tinged with orange peel and tobacco notes. Best from 2021 through 2036. 4,500 cases made.$233.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Elegant and expressive, this red evokes cherry, raspberry and floral notes, aligned to a refined structure. This is balanced and leaves an aftertaste of fruit, tobacco and iron. Best from 2023 through 2043. 3,300 cases made.$481.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Elegant and expressive, this red evokes cherry, raspberry and floral notes, aligned to a refined structure. This is balanced and leaves an aftertaste of fruit, tobacco and iron. Best from 2023 through 2043. 3,300 cases made.$270.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (93)
Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.$532.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (93)
Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.$261.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2019 Barolo Albe is a nuanced, understated wine, but it is also a rare Albe that needs time in bottle. Sweet floral and spice notes open first, leading to an attractive core of Nebbiolo fruit. Gentle and understated, with lovely precision, the 2019 Albe is a hushed wine that is more about energy than size. I have seen the Albe really blossom with a few years in bottle. I expect that will be the case here as well given its super-classic feel.$169.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019Vinous (91)
The 2019 Barolo Albe is a nuanced, understated wine, but it is also a rare Albe that needs time in bottle. Sweet floral and spice notes open first, leading to an attractive core of Nebbiolo fruit. Gentle and understated, with lovely precision, the 2019 Albe is a hushed wine that is more about energy than size. I have seen the Albe really blossom with a few years in bottle. I expect that will be the case here as well given its super-classic feel.$781.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous (91)
The 2019 Barolo Albe is a nuanced, understated wine, but it is also a rare Albe that needs time in bottle. Sweet floral and spice notes open first, leading to an attractive core of Nebbiolo fruit. Gentle and understated, with lovely precision, the 2019 Albe is a hushed wine that is more about energy than size. I have seen the Albe really blossom with a few years in bottle. I expect that will be the case here as well given its super-classic feel.$325.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements. Best from 2028 through 2049. 3,500 cases imported.$266.00 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Graphite and iron aromas lead off, with cherry, floral, licorice, tea and underbrush flavors. This is intense, vibrant and resonant on the long, fruit- and mineral-infused aftertaste.$134.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011Wine Spectator (95)
Graphite and iron aromas lead off, with cherry, floral, licorice, tea and underbrush flavors. This is intense, vibrant and resonant on the long, fruit- and mineral-infused aftertaste.$749.00 -
(1x150cl) 2012Vinous (94)
The 2012 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is pure class. A decidedly sensual, inviting Bricco delle Viole, the 2012 fleshes out in the glass with an effortless, inviting personality that is impossible to resist. Deep red cherry and plum notes open up first, followed by the classic floral notes that are so typical of this site. In 2012, the Bricco delle Viole is quite forward and fruit-driven, with essentially none of the angular contours that are typical when the wine is young. All of that means the 2012 will deliver immense pleasure pretty much upon release. There is so much to like here. The only real question is whether the 2012 will shut down in bottle or not. This is another addictively delicious Barolo from the Vajra family.$283.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2012 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is pure class. A decidedly sensual, inviting Bricco delle Viole, the 2012 fleshes out in the glass with an effortless, inviting personality that is impossible to resist. Deep red cherry and plum notes open up first, followed by the classic floral notes that are so typical of this site. In 2012, the Bricco delle Viole is quite forward and fruit-driven, with essentially none of the angular contours that are typical when the wine is young. All of that means the 2012 will deliver immense pleasure pretty much upon release. There is so much to like here. The only real question is whether the 2012 will shut down in bottle or not. This is another addictively delicious Barolo from the Vajra family.$119.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2014 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is positively stunning. There are many things about this wine that are super-impressive, but what stands out most is how soft and silky the tannins are. Because of that, the 2014 is much more approachable than it usually is, and yet also conveys the feeling of translucence that is such a signature of this site and wine. I am not sure I have ever tasted a young Bricco delle Viole with this much purity of fruit. The 2014 is total class. Don't miss it.$533.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2015 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is a delicate and pure expression of Nebbiolo. The wine shows its naked beauty with pride, provocatively semi-dressed in lacy, floral aromas of wild rose and pressed violets. At this young age, the wine exhibits a gentle mix of fruity and floral characteristics that merge into the bouquet with intrepidness. The fruit from this vineyard within the Barolo township has maintained its freshness and crispness despite the heat of the 2015 growing season. I think it would be a lovely match for a veal piccata and cream sauce, with parsley and capers.$735.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2015 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is a delicate and pure expression of Nebbiolo. The wine shows its naked beauty with pride, provocatively semi-dressed in lacy, floral aromas of wild rose and pressed violets. At this young age, the wine exhibits a gentle mix of fruity and floral characteristics that merge into the bouquet with intrepidness. The fruit from this vineyard within the Barolo township has maintained its freshness and crispness despite the heat of the 2015 growing season. I think it would be a lovely match for a veal piccata and cream sauce, with parsley and capers.$421.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
From the Bricco delle Viole cru, or the vineyard most strongly associated with this historic estate, this is a versatile or "evergreen" wine that always delivers consistent results. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Bricco delle Viole sees fruit from a seven-hectare vineyard with high exposures positioned at 400 to 480 meters above sea level. This site shows characteristic Tortonian-era soils classified as Sant'Agata marl with fossils. These soils have an enormous capacity to regulate the ripening process, resulting in the longer growing seasons relished by the Nebbiolo grape. In a word, the profile here is classic. You get delicate fruit tones and wild rose with camphor ash, licorice and tar. The wine is beautifully harmonious and ethereal. Some 15,000 bottles are hitting the market now.$495.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced.$868.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced.$383.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019Wine Advocate (97+)
The last wine poured at my tasting at the winery is the G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Bricco delle Viole. With its high vantage point in the hills west of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is a world apart in terms of soils (with Sant'Agata marl and fossils) and even harvest times. Slow and careful ripening like the kind that characterizes fruit in 2019 renders a very delicate and ethereal expression with floral tones, wild mint and licorice. This organic wine is solid in build and structure. Indeed, Isidoro Vaira remarks that Nebbiolo tannins have changed since the 1970s and 1980s. Because of climate change and stylistic preference, they are more polished and accessible today.$705.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The last wine poured at my tasting at the winery is the G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Bricco delle Viole. With its high vantage point in the hills west of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is a world apart in terms of soils (with Sant'Agata marl and fossils) and even harvest times. Slow and careful ripening like the kind that characterizes fruit in 2019 renders a very delicate and ethereal expression with floral tones, wild mint and licorice. This organic wine is solid in build and structure. Indeed, Isidoro Vaira remarks that Nebbiolo tannins have changed since the 1970s and 1980s. Because of climate change and stylistic preference, they are more polished and accessible today.$488.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
A ripe ruby color, the 2020 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is incredible on the nose. Initially lightly smoky on opening, it needs a little time to reveal notes of candied roses, wild raspberries, tea leaf, and sweet sage. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, a balanced, compact nature, and a velvety texture, it is nicely concentrated, yet with a weightless feel. This is one of the most complete wines I’ve tasted from Vjara to date. It has depth, but with a defined feel, and is long on the palate, with an exceptional finish. It’s going to have a wide drinking window but age at a very slow rate over the next two to three decades.$670.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2015 Barolo Coste di Rose is pretty and also easygoing, with elegant floral top notes and sweet red berry fruit that are nicely pushed forward. Soft, open-knit and inviting, the 2015 offers a good bit of persistence and freshness. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so, given its mid-weight structure.$334.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Barolo Coste di Rose is plump, juicy and forward - all qualities that make it one of the more approachable wines in the Vajra range. Plump dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice and menthol all flesh out in a racy, juicy Barolo that will drink well right out of the gate. Plush fruit and silky tannins add to the wine's voluptuous feel and early accessibility. This is very good, but it is not particularly complex.$328.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Wild berry, menthol and tilled earth aromas mingle with whiffs of dark spice. Linear and savory, the lithe palate is already immediate, featuring juicy raspberry, red cherry, crushed mint and star anise accompanied by taut, polished tannins. Tangy acidity keeps it fresh and bright.$365.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2019 Barolo Coste di Rose is the most open of the vineyard designates, but is not the easygoing Barolo it has often been in the past. Bright acids and veins of supporting tannin give the 2019 its taut, rather nervous feel. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice flowers and earthy tones all develop with a bit of time in the glass. There is a bit of nervousness in the tannin that needs to soften, but all the elements are nicely balanced.$479.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
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.$94.00
