Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco 2020

97 POINTS: James Suckling
97 POINTS: Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck
96 POINTS: Antonio Galloni, Vinous

The Costa Russi vineyard is situated in the municipality of Barbaresco at the foot of a hill where above sits another Cru, Sorì  Tildin. The south-west facing vineyard consists of clay-calcareous marls and covers a surface of 4.35 hectares, with an average altitude of 230 m above the sea level. The vines are 65 years old on average.

“All the crus coming from the 2020 vintage show a richness in the mouth. In the Costa Russi, there is an abundance of strawberries and plums, all showing in a very pronounced way. As the wine opens, there are broader notes of raspberry, red currant, pepper, verbena, elderflower, and marzipan. The palate starts with a hint of sweetness with a round mouthfeel. The finish is elegant.”

“The 2020 Costa Russi was also tasted from barrel and takes on more depth and concentration from the Barbaresco, though is beautifully floral and expansive, with notes of wild strawberry and lavender. Medium-bodied, with fantastic length and persistence, this beautiful wine is showing incredibly well at this early stage prior to release, but it does have a bit more tannin structure that will benefit from more time in bottle over the next year or so.”
— 97 Points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck

“Lavender and sage with berries and dried strawberries, but so perfumed and subtle. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine tannins that are totally integrated with finesse and beauty at the end. Caresses your palate. Best after 2028.”
— 97 Points, James Suckling

“The 2020 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a classy, polished wine. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and lavender all take shape. As always, Costa Russi is the most supple and charming of the Gaja Barbarescos in the early going.”
—96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

14% ABV