Vajra Dinner with Kevin Natoli

Chez Mike, East Greenbush, NY
Tasted Tuesday, May 6, 2025 by kenv with 152 views

Introduction

Kevin Natoli, the North American Sales Manager for the Vajra winery was hitting a few spots in the north country. So we arranged a dinner at Chez Mike near Albany. Serval local wine friends joined. The food was great but none of my photos of the food came out well. :(

Photos and more details can be found on my website.

Flight 1 - Flight 1: The White Starters (2 Notes)

Flight 2 - Flight 2: The 2021 Vajra Barolos (3 Notes)

  • 2021 G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose 95 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    [Pop and pour.] If you want to try one of the 2021 Vajra Barolos, this is the one. Fragrant nose of roses and red fruit. Showing beautifully, if still young. Expansive, complex, exquisite, stunning for a young Barolo. Probably won't last as long as the other two, but who cares. This is a wow wine.

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  • 2021 G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera 94 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    [Pop and pour.] Muted nose of black fruit. Rich, expansive with lovely tannins. This is more classic Barolo with beautiful fruit and tannin. I would let this rest 5-10 years to really show its best. 94-96

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  • 2021 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 95 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    [Pop and pour.] Dark, black fruit nose with hints of tar. Dark and rich in the mouth. Stunningly complex. This combines the best of the previous two. Might be one of the best BdVs ever. Such power and elegance. Super long, riveting finish. 95-97

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Flight 3 - Flight 3: Older Vajra Barolos (2 Notes)

  • 2015 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 94 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    [Pop and pour.] Big ripe black fruit nose. Sweet red fruit in the mouth. Balances the ripeness of the vintage brilliantly. Kevin opened to show one with a little age. It's delicious now, but I think it still needs time to come together fully. Great now. Should drink well for at least a decade, probably two.

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  • 1989 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 94 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    [Double-decanted at 5pm.] Mature nose of black fruit and forest floor. Rich and earthy in the mouth with complex flavors of tar and licorice and dried black fruit. Classic 1989. Beautiful. Fully mature. Drink up.

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Closing

Another great evening of food, wine, and friends.

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