We released Gaja Barbaresco 2013 in June, positing that due to the extremely favourable weather conditions this is a vintage to own. Gaja Barbaresco 2013 has just been awarded 96 points from Antonio Galloni, which makes it the joint highest scoring vintage ever, equalling the 1989 and 1978. Galloni is an exacting marker, 96 points is a stellar endorsement of a truly exceptional vintage, he says ‘the 2013 Barbaresco is fabulous. In fact, this is one of the best Barbarescos I have tasted at Gaja in many years.’ To put the score into perspective, it means the 2013 surpasses the exceptional 2011 and 2010 vintages, even besting the 2004, which already trades at £680 per case of six; the 1989 and 1978 trade today at £1,200 and £1,400. Moreover, a score of 96 places it above most vintages of Gaja’s single vineyard’s Costa Russi, Sori Tildin and San Lorenzo, which trade at double the price of the standard Barbaresco. We have a small parcel which we are pleased to re-release today, a proposition which will sell out quickly. Galloni concludes, ‘for readers who can find it, the 2013 is simply a must-have wine.’
Gaja is one of the leading lights of Italy and one of the world’s most recognisable brands. The wine almost single-handedly transformed the image of Piedmont. It is considered the first among equals in Italy, even in the company of Sassicaia et al. It is, highly sought after throughout the globe, resulting in an ever increasing demand. As one can see from the table below, the 2013 is favourably priced and Gaja Barabresco offers a very appealing vintage premium. The 2012, which was awarded 91 points, has already risen to £620. Furthermore, the weak pound will prevent parallel importing at release price from mainland Europe, therefore all new stock will come to market at a higher price. As such, £545 is a must buy with 96 points.
| Vintage | Score (AG) | Price |
| 2013 | 96 | £545 |
| 2004 | 95 | £800 |
| 1999 | 95 | £1,400 |
| 1990 | 95 | £1,200 |
| 1989 | 96 | £1,200 |
| 1978 | 96 | £1,400 |
Gaja has a very consistent pricing strategy and displays a balanced vintage premium that remains half the price of the single vineyards, from where a high preponderance of its grapes are sourced.
Gaja Barbaresco is 100% Nebbiolo sourced from 14 different Barbaresco vineyards, at an altitude between 250 and 330 metres above sea level and covering 21.4 hectares. The grapes from each vineyard undergo separate fermentation and maceration, then spend 12 months ageing in barrique, followed by 12 months in large oak casks. It is renowned for its structure, and elegant tension between the gorgeous acidity and ripe, round tannins. In its youth it displays crushed coffee bean and violets.
It rewards cellaring, and with age it bursts with flavours of truffles, rose petal and tobacco. Gaja Barbaresco remains the standard bearer for this wonderful winemaker.
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