2021 G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste Di Rose DOCG, Piedmont

The G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Coste di Rose (a certified organic wine) is especially fragrant and floral in this vintage. It could be the power of suggestion given the wine's name ("slope of roses"), but you absolutely get hints of heritage rose or rose hip in this beautiful Nebbiolo. The 2021 vintage hits the ball out of the park. There are characteristic hints of tar and something that reminds me of oil paints or linseed oil. I love the clarity of the mouthfeel.

The Vaira family of G.D. Vajra has added a new vineyard to its holdings. The new parcel is located in Bonoretto in Diano d'Alba and is planted to Barbera and Riesling.

96 points robertparker.com

What an intoxicating nose of flowers like violets and roses and hints of cedar and blueberries. The palate is compact, with delineated fruit and superfine, elegant tannins. Succulent, but with a lovely, polished, underlying structure. Already a joy to drink, but will surely improve substantially with a couple of years of bottle age.

96 points jamessuckling.com

G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose DOCG is an elegant and aromatic Barolo from one of the region’s most expressive crus, situated just outside the village of Barolo itself. The Coste di Rose vineyard sits on gentle slopes with sandy soils over limestone, which gives the wine its hallmark perfume, finesse and early approachability.

The Vaira family, led by Giuseppe Vaira, has long championed a thoughtful and sensitive approach to Nebbiolo. Fruit for Coste di Rose is hand-harvested, gently fermented with wild yeasts, and undergoes extended maceration to extract nuance and structure. The wine is then matured in large Slavonian oak casks that support the wine without imposing heavy oak influence.

This Barolo opens with classic notes of rose petals, wild strawberries, blood orange and crushed herbs, alongside earthy tones and hints of tea leaf. The palate is finely textured and graceful, with silky tannins, bright acidity and a lifted, floral finish that lingers with charm.

Perfect with dishes like porcini tagliatelle, roast duck, truffle-infused risotto or a classic tajarin with butter and sage. While it’s surprisingly accessible in its youth, it will reward careful cellaring for 8 to 15 years.