Gaja Barbaresco 1977 Ratings & Reviews The 1977 vintage in Piedmont was generally considered challenging, but Gaja's winemaking expertise managed to produce a wine that has aged gracefully and is still appreciated by collectors. Here is a summary of expert opinions and general tasting notes: General Consensus: Despite a generally disappointing year for the region in 1977, the Gaja Barbaresco from this vintage is considered a success, praised for its longevity and complex evolution over time. Aromas & Palate: The wine is noted for having evolved well, developing complex, mature notes. Reviewers often mention a bouquet of mature fruits, flowers, and spices. On the palate, it reveals silky tannins and a fine balance between acidity and alcohol. Specific notes can include hints of dark cherry, orange peel, leather, truffle, and licorice, leading to a long and lingering finish. Aging Potential: This wine demonstrated significant aging potential, with some sommeliers noting that it took approximately 18 years to begin truly opening up. While ready to drink now, some experts predicted it could still improve for several more years as of recent tastings. Critic Scores: While specific, universally agreed-upon scores for this vintage across all major critics are hard to pinpoint, some individual professional ratings place it highly (e.g., one sommelier rated it at 95/100 more recently). In summary, the 1977 Gaja Barbaresco is a mature, elegant wine that offers a complex and refined tasting experience, a testament to the producer's skill in a difficult vintage.