G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2016

In the world, there are Barolos. And then there is Vajra Barolo.

I would love nothing more than try waxing poetic about Vajra Barolo (pronounced Vie-ra I am told) while drinking Vajra Barolo.  But sometimes, other people say it better. Here is Antonio Galloni, founding owner of Vinous and previous wine reviewer for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.  He’s got the chops, and he nails the description:

“By now I have run out of superlatives for Vajra. Suffice it to say these are some of the finest, artisan wines being made in Piedmont today. At a time when prices for so many wines are skyrocketing out of control, Vajra’s prices are a breath of fresh air. The Barolos are made in contemporary traditional style, with longish fermentations and aging in cask. My only regret is not having bought these wines more heavily in the past.

“Vajra’s 2015 Barolo Albe is beautifully perfumed, sensual and expressive in this vintage, with a bit less overt fruit and more aromatic/structural intensity than is often the case. The style of the Albe has always favored a more succulent expression of Nebbiolo that is quite different from the single-vineyard wines, but the 2015 suggests Vajra may be moving the Albe closer in line stylistically to their other Barolos, which I think is a positive. In any event, there is an element of restraint in the 2015 that is hugely appealing. The Albe is a blend of fruit from Fossati, Coste di Vergne and La Volta aged in 75 hectoliter casks. The Albe may be the single best value in Barolo today. As for the 2015, don’t miss it!”

What more can I add? Beautifully perfumed… sensual… hugely appealing. And Vajra has added something more: “The entire team at G.D. Vajra would like to support the hard-working restaurant community in the USA. We believe the best way we can support from afar is donating to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation.” That’s right, Vajra is donating a portion of this sale to help support out-of-work restaurant workers. Delicious Barolo with a great purpose – now that’s truly amazing.

And Vinous is not the publication to notice Vajra

“#48 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019.

“93 points.

“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.” – Wine Spectator

“93 points.

“This Barolo offers a more immediate approach, with lots of dark berry followed by spice, tilled earth and black truffle. The 2015 Barolo Albe pours to a medium dark color and lays out a mid-weight texture, with bright primary fruit that is expertly woven into the wine. It exposes clearly etched veins of acidity and some determinedly firm tannins.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate