December 10, 2018 - An absolutely dead-on Nebbiolo experience from the master. While not as complex or deeply rich as a great vintage ST, this was round, full of deep dark earth, had just enough of that cherry to provide input but not dominate, and a smokey wet oak taste lingering in the background. Some mild mushrooms and rough brush rounded ou the great experience. Little decanting needed.
July 14, 2018 - The Kirsch Italian Extravaganza (677 Prime, Albany, NY): [Double-decanted around 2pm.] Huge black cherry nose. Shockingly big and rich for a 93. Long, complex, licorice, tar and plums. This has to be the wine of the vintage.
May 19, 2018 - Very backward, nose never really showed much, also not after 2 hours. Material seems good, just introvert now.
November 7, 2017 - This wine has taken a long time to emerge from its backward shell, but it has been worth the wait. Intense clove, allspice and black pepper aromas with lots of black cherry and liqueur hints. Same flavors, slightly more fruit centric with slightly less spice. Very good weight, length and balance.
October 9, 2017 - Cubs Playoff Wines (Lake Forest, IL): Lovely wine showing dark aromas of black fruit and rose petal. Good concentration and nice black spices complement the bright acid structure. Very good sour cherry flavors through. Drink or hold.
July 30, 2015 - Cork crumbled and removed in many small pieces. Allowed to breathe in glass 20 minutes before tasting. Clear medium blood-ruby red with colorless meniscus. Evolved, tertiary bouquet of old leather furniture, tar, rose petals, hints of pine needles and wintergreen. Similar on the palate, with faded sour cherries and rhubarb in the background. Concentrated and assertive, balanced, firm tannins, not much fruit left.
July 4, 2011 - Drinking window reflects that this wine has expired. Although not Gaja's best offering, this wine still has plenty of life remaining. Thinner than most, the cherry fruit still prevails. tannins have softened and it paired well with the Reggiano thru the Filet and shrimp combo.
June 22, 2010 - Birthday Dinner (Inovasi - Lake Bluff IL): From magnum Aromas of black cherry, plum, licorice, then some roses in the background. Massively structured on palate, hard to really enjoy or assess. Great spice on finish with signs of black fruit as well. Give this plenty of time.
June 22, 2010 - Celebration Dinner (Inovasi, Lake Bluff, IL): From Magnum. Dark red berries, earth, iron notes, tar. Beautiful floral; rose petals. Bits of smoke. Red cherry and cranberry on the palate. Medium body with great acidity throughout. Good structure remaining. Gripping finish.
August 4, 2008 - We enjoyed this at a business meal in Laguna Beach. It was a nice glass of wine. Its color was not as dark as you might expect from a Barbaresco and there were no popping flavors. It was a plain pleasant smooth wine. Gaija Gaja mentioned this wine at a Canadian tasting and even she admitted it was weak compared to so the 88 and 89s. It went well with the prosciutto and cheese being served. It followed a great Kistler Chard and was chased by an 86 Lafite. Sorry I could not paint it better but that was all I got out of it.