2016 G.D. Vajra: Bricco Viole, Coste di Rose, Ravera - Barolo DOCG - 3 Bottles (0.75L)

Barolo Ravera 2016 (Left)
Origin: Commune of Novello. Soil rich in calcareous marl and clay, with the presence of ferrous minerals.
Tasting Notes: The most vertical, deep, and muscular of the trio. It offers complex aromas of dark cherry, dried rose, graphite, tobacco, licorice, and a balsamic/mineral touch. On the palate, it has a firm and austere structure with tight tannins and an extraordinary acid-savory drive that promises decades of cellaring.
Critical Scores (2016):
Wine Spectator: 97/100
James Suckling: 96/100
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 96/100
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 95/100
2. Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2016 (Center)
Origin: Commune of Barolo, the winery's historic plot located at high altitudes (up to 480 m a.s.l.).
Tasting Notes: A classic, refined, and ethereal Barolo. Explosive on the nose with floral hints of violet and rose, accompanied by wild berries, bitter orange peel, menthol, pine, and graphite. On the palate, it is silky, fresh, and well-balanced, featuring an endless, high-class finish.
Critical Scores (2016):
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 98/100
Wine & Spirits: 98/100
James Suckling: 97/100
Wine Spectator: 96/100
3. Barolo Coste di Rose 2016 (Right)
Origin: Commune of Barolo, characterized mainly by sandy soils (Diano Sandstones).
Tasting Notes: The most expressive, fragrant, and approachable among the three. It opens with fragrant notes of rose, raspberry, crunchy cherry, anise, and sweet spices. On the palate, the tannins are soft and polished, showing juicy fruit, an agile texture, and a savory, floral finish.
Critical Scores (2016):
Wine & Spirits: 96/100
James Suckling: 95/100
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 94/100
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 94/100
Winery History: G.D. Vajra
The story of the G.D. Vajra winery (an acronym for Giuseppe Domenico Vaira) is tied to the vision of a family that made tradition and respect for the terroir their core strengths.
Origins (1968–1972): In 1968, during student unrest in Turin, a very young Aldo Vaira was sent by his father to the family farm in Vergne (Barolo). There, he fell in love with the countryside and the vines. In 1971, he converted to organic viticulture (one of the early pioneers in Piedmont), and in 1972, he signed the winery's first harvest, taking the name of his father, Giuseppe Domenico.
Growth & Partnership (1982 onwards): With the arrival of his wife Milena in 1982, the winery established its distinctive style based on gentle extractions, long fermentations in wooden vats, and aging in large casks—designed to preserve the purity of the fruit and the transparency of each individual terroir.
Today: The estate is run alongside their children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro. They manage around 60 hectares of organic vineyards among Barolo's most famous crus, maintaining an international reputation for elegance and consistent quality in their wines.