Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
Gaja tasting at Garagiste
Tasted May 14, 2005 by lorenzo with 886 views
Introduction
All wines were double decanted for 5-6 hours and then tasted over the next 3 hours. Unfortunately, I had a bit of a cold and couldnt get much going with the nose. This was also a standing tasting and not at all convenient for taking notes. So I didn't. I took very brief comments and scores. It was a nice event, and I enjoyed talking with Gaia Gaja and experiencing their wines.
Flight 1 (10 notes)
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Sito Moresco
91 points
This isn't Gaja-lite. Big and Meaty. Addition of Merlot and Cab seem to give this some approachabilty now. A Gaja QPR?!
Red
2001 Gaja Barbaresco
92 points
First taste that would become a trend. 6hrs double decanted, and this was still very tight and tannic. I could sneak out brief peak at the plummy fruit.
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Costa Russi
93 points
Very Closed. I spent more time with this wine than any other -- some real classy and stylish blackberries.
93+
93+
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sorì Tildìn
90 points
The most closed of the offerings. I revisited three times over three hours and this wasnt budging all that much. MelSturman's wine of the event, but to me it was the most disappointing. It very well may turn out as incredible as he suggests but the feminine and delicate fruit, just kept getting overwhelmed by mouthfuls of tannin. How long will this take and what will it become? I have no idea
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sorì San Lorenzo
96 points
As opposed to the Tildin, this was showing much of its promise. Concentrated BlackCherry. Complex and exotic, this was very tempting.
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Conteisa
95 points
Compared to those that preceeded it, this was open and approachable. Great concentration and depth. Licorice, plums and spices in great package. Buy.
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss
96 points
This was one of the few wines to pierce my stuffed nose and sinus. Nice cherry and earthy aromas. Great, well defined cherries and licorice. Buy.
Red
2001 Gaja Langhe Darmagi
91 points
Spent enough time with this wine to know that it is a compelling and well made Cab. But it would take alot more and a guided tour to find Italian characteristics -- I quickly moved on. At $140, I'm not tempted.
Red
1999 Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino Rennina
93 points
Showing well right now. Complex with sweet fruit, floral notes and some earth.
Red
1999 Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille
90 points
Tougher for me to guage compared to the Rennina. Much more tannic, although showing some glimpses of pure fruit.