Vajra Barolo Ravera 2017 (750ML)

97 WE / 96 JD / 96 JS / 95 VM / 95 WS / 94+ WA / 17.5 JR

#5 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 2021

From the township of Novello and from what is now widely recognized as one of the denomination's top vineyard sites, this is just stunning, offering intense aromas of wild berries, new leather, floral notes, camphor and grilled herb. The delicious, structured palate shows finesse and power, featuring ripe red cherry, blood orange, cedar, licorice and mineral notes suggesting tangy iron. Noble tannins provide support. Reflecting the vintage, this won't need years to come around but will also age well for at least another decade. Drink 2022–2032. -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast

Lifted and herbaceous, the 2017 Barolo Ravera is noted by aromas of fresh pine, ripe red cherry, licorice, and menthol. The palate has depth without weight and is noted by ripe raspberry fruit, apricot, and black tea. Drink 2024-2050. -Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck

Very floral with pure fruit, such as cherries and raspberries. It’s full-bodied with ultra fine tannins that are energetic and focused. The center palate shows such wonderful fruit character, yet it’s weightless and energetic. Try after 2026. James Suckling

The 2017 Barolo Ravera is gorgeous right out of the gate. I am so impressed with its depth and pedigree. Rose petal, sweet red berry fruit, lavender, spice and dried herbs are all finely delineated in a Barolo of tremendous presence. Orange peel, cinnamon and cedar develop later, adding shades of dimension. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stature and power. The 2017 is going to be fascinating to follow. Today, it is just breathtaking. That's all there is to it. -Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Notable for its purity of fruit, this Barolo features black cherry, black currant, violet, mineral and tar aromas and flavors. Harmonious and lithe, with an underpinning of mineral that lingers through the dynamic finish. Best from 2025 through 2045. —B.S., Wine Spectator

The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Ravera shows solid build and consistency, with more rich and saturated fruit compared to the other Barolo releases from this historic estate. The Ravera cru offers broad shoulders with a tight textural fabric. That powerful approach makes a good sounding board for the wine's dark cherry, plum, dark mineral and spice flavors. This is more of a red meat wine. 6,000 bottles were released. -Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Transparent garnet. Broad, sweet, chestnut sort of aromas on the nose. Big-shouldered and quite concentrated. Very complete and with a minerally undertow. This is a bit of a charmer with great presence. Even a hint of red-cherry fruit that seems to be overpowering the (considerable) tannin. Beautiful balance in this evidently serious wine. -Jancis Robinson