Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose 2020 (750ML)

96 KO / 96 JD / 96 WS / 94 JS / 94 WE / 94 DE / 93 VM /  17 JR

The 2020 Coste delle Rose is a stunner, starting with its heady aromas of dog rose, lavender, juniper and eucalyptus. Combining finesse and density, the polished palate is delicious, delivering juicy red cherry, strawberry compote, blood orange, grilled sage and star anise alongside tightly knit, velvety tannins. Drink 2028–2035. Abv:14% Kerin O’Keefe, February 2024

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.-Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

A beam of fresh cherry and strawberry permeates this graceful red, driven by a vibrant structure. Flashes of sun-kissed hay, iron and mint add depth as this cruises to a lingering conclusion. Very harmonious, with a chalky sensation on the long, complex aftertaste. Best from 2028 through 2050. 400 cases made, 200 cases imported.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

White pepper, dried roses, berries and mineral on the nose. Really elegant and chalky on the palate with medium to full body and a linear finish. Pure and driven. Drink or hold.-Zekun Shuai, JamesSuckling.com

A Barolo of remarkable elegance and complexity. Lifted aromas of mixed wild berries, candied rose petals, cinnamon, and whole clove, are accompanied by warm, earthy notes. Tart cherries and cranberries dominate the palate, with woodsy undertones and chewy tannins that provide heft without overpowering. Savory and medicinal herbs linger on the finish, making this a captivating expression of this renowned cru. Drink Now – 2045.- Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast

The 2020 vintage had good weather during flowering; Giuseppe believes this impacts the wines tremendously; whether it was lack of pollution during the lockdown, he considers that vine rows flowered gorgeously in the Barolo communes. The result is a vintage of fruitiness. He used more extended skin contacts to balance the fruitiness with a good structure for longevity's sake. Between bud break and picking was about 203 days; long and late picking is a blessing for Nebbiolo Vajra believes. Coste di Rose has the lowest elevation of the Vajra vineyards, and the newest, 2015, was the first vintage. It's relatively unknown even though it is pretty central between Canubi and Brunate. Red fruited and forward, perhaps with less structure, red and blue berries, mouthfuls of lavender and clove, and raspberry leaf offer a bright, herbaceous character that lifts the finish.-Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

The 2020 Barolo Coste di Rose is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice are nicely woven together. The Coste di Rose is not the most complex Barolo in the range but offers tons of sheer appeal, in a sensual, open-knit style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Pale ruby. Lifted orange oil, rose, cherry blossom, and red currant – very fresh. Fresh, mouth-watering, high acidity. Incredibly bright and vibrant – lots of energy. Very fine, sandy tannin.-Samantha Cole-Johnson, JancisRobinson.com