Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2019 (1.5L)

97+ WA / 97+ JD / 97 KO / 97 VM / 96 WS / 94 JS / 17.5+ JR

#26 Wine Spectator Top 100 2023

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.- Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Jeweled in appearance, the 2019 Barolo Bricco delle Viole may be the best wine I have tried yet from Vajra. Its gorgeous and alluring perfume of fresh roses is followed by a Burgundian, elegant red with incredible length and no harsh edges, fine and present tannins, and beautiful, graceful concentration. It is drinking well now, and I will be trying to get my hands on as much of this as possible. Drink 2025-2045.-Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck

The G.D. Vajra 2019 Bricco delle Viole is drop-dead gorgeous. Hailing from vines planted in 1931 and 1949 and planted 400 to 480 meters above sea level, it opens with enticing aromas of fragrant purple flower, camphor, forest floor and spice. Showing great energy and precision, the youthfully intense palate delivers juicy red cherry, blood orange, licorice and crushed mint underscored by a mineral vein recalling saline. Tight, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give provide the firm structure and promise great longevity. Drink 2029–2049. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe

The 2019 Barolo Bricco delle Viole offers a beguiling combination of depth and energy. Dark and potent in the glass, yet also quite reticent, the 2019 is going to take a number of years to come around. Black cherry, graphite, crushed rocks, mint, sage and incense all open in the glass, but only with quite a bit of reticence. I especially like the way the 2019 opens up on its resonant, expansive finish, but it remains a decidedly brooding Barolo whose best days are far off in the future.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

A juicy Barolo, with vibrant acidity and a fluid profile that exudes cherry, raspberry, mown hay, mineral and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Tight yet long, with excellent potential. Best from 2027 through 2048. 1,250 cases made.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Aromas of crushed stone, flowers and berries follow through to a medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Very primary now and needs time to develop in the bottle. From organically grown grapes.-James Suckling

Full bottle 1,322 g. Certified organic (Ecocert), sustainable (SQNPI). Bricco delle Viole is the highest Barolo vineyard and the closest to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 m asl along the eastern ridge of the village. Its name, 'Hill of Violets', originates from the flowers that blossom early because of the south exposure. Up above the fogs, it gets the earliest sunrise and the latest sunset. Vines date back to 1931, 194 and 1968. 28 months in 25- and 50-hl Slavonian oak, 31 days submerged cap.
Smells earthy, like the damp winter depth of rich dark soil of an oak forest. Smells of violets. Mushrooms crushed underfoot. Tastes of tea leaves and tamarind and dried sour cherries and cranberries. Tastes of the bitter red-gold sere of autumn. Tannins that, even now, so young, feel like mist and salt ripping down the mountain. Tendrils of woodsmoke on the finish. Haunting, even if embryonic.-Tamlyn Curran, JancisRobinson