G.D. Vajra Langhe Bianco 2009
13,5%; Riesling (the label has the hidden word Pétracine, which is an old synonym for Riesling, because Riesling isn't allowed on the label). Quite a ripe style, but very true to the grape. Rich, a bit soft, but with enough grip to be interesting. Good wine, but perhaps not something I would buy.
G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati 2009
A very attractive style. The nose is very floral, a little reductive, juicy. Wonderful ripe tannins, primary and fruity but not at all acid-deficient (though I often find this grape driven more my tannin than acidity). Crunchy and great fun.
G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba 2006
Almost liqurorous in its sweetness; though Vajra uses small barrels rarely and only in small amounts, I thought I sensed a touch of toffee in this. Juicy, very ripe, but gladly not overly powerful like the "modernist" examples of the grape. The finish is long and refreshing and has some of the tanginess I love with this grape.
G.D. Vajra Langhe Freisa Kyè 2004
Deep, profound aroma, both sweet and savoury, as complex as a Barolo but in a delightfully rustic way. High in both tannins and acidity, but with great delineation and just the right amount of fruit to keep the whole very pleasant and extremely moreish. Lovely. Both rustic and elegant at the same time.
G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2006
Light colour and a light style in comparison to the other wines. It is very fragrant already despite its youth. It is very floral, but has lovely red fruited purity and elegance. Fruity attack, the tannic structure appears later on; the acid seems strangely deficient making this a fruit-forward wine (though G. Vajra told us that the acidity is actually relatively high this year). It is good stuff, but did suffer from being in a flight with several Bricco delle Viole!
Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2006
Bottled by G.D. Vajra. A stern, tarry, dark, brooding aroma - classic and classy, though not terribly aromatic just now. Deep and tannic, not very high in acid - if such a dark and brooding style could be called fruit-forward, this would be. I think this will be good stuff, but it is all about potential.
G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2006
Wonderfully fragrant and sweet fruit - certainly not closed yet. Sweet and softly fruity on entry, pleasantly tannic and elegantly rugged mid-palate, the acidity only shows on the finish. Good wine, but does show more hot year signs than ideal for me.
G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2005
This seems like a traditional style of Barolo despite some roasted and even slight toffee aromas (only some small Barriques are used, and those only rarely). The summer was hot, which must account for the almost raisiny/pruney aromas. The palate is rich, sweet and with warm character and fair acidity and tannin. It is very satisfying but with the slightly raisiny fruit and only fair structure for such a young Nebbiolo, I am not at all certain this will be a wine for the long term.
G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2004
Very fragrant and floral, strong iron/blood/rhubarb -like aromas. A lighter year than the '06, '05, '01 we had in comparison but isn't a bad thing: all the four wines showed a similar profile, this one just a bit less ripe (but not under-ripe) than the others. Elegant, but still primary and strongly structured, ripe fruit but more acid driven than other wines. Lovely.
G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2001
Very fragrant, very pure, classically styled Nebbiolo with lovely aromas of juniper, delicate spices (but not oak), flowers. Richly fruity but, paradoxically, in a delicate way, great structure, great harmony, great stuff. I love it.
G.D. Vajra Moscato d'Asti 2009
Strongly mineral aroma in addition to the usual Moscato sweetness and grapeyness. Elegant bubbles. Sweet and refreshing. Lovely Moscato.