G.D. Vajra Barolo DOCG Bricco delle Viole 2018, Italy, AUD $190

G.D. Vajra has firmly established itself amongst the top echelon of Barolo producers, making wines of outstanding clarity and precision. The Bricco delle Viole is their flagship wine, sourced from vines ranging in age from 35 to 70+ years of age, from one of the highest vineyard sites in the entire Barolo zone. It is an extremely ageworthy wine, often quite tightly structured on release (see my review of the 2019 version here) but there is also a come hither feel to the currently available 2018 release.

The colour is bright garnet. There’s very attractive lift on the bouquet with a mix of amareno cherry and raspberry fruit, violets, mint and a faint dusting of brick dust and wood spice. The palate is equally harmonious and alluring, with vibrant and pure fruit accompanied by subtly sweet spice, a tangy line of acidity, mouth-coating filigree tannins and an elegant and long finish with just a hint of bitter almond. The 2018 vintage has produced an excellent wine that is more accessible at this early stage though still with the trademark character of the vineyard. (Cork)

Score: 95 ★★★★★ – view original tasting note

Alcohol: 14.5%

Ageing: drink now to 2045

Food: herb encrusted rack of lamb

Stockists: DITC Wine online, Armadale Cellars – Vic and online; Field Blend Wine Store, Balmain and online; Five Way Cellars, Paddington and online – NSW (AU)

Ranked: #31 of 170 2018 Nebbiolo from Barolo

Awarded: Top Rank