2001 Gaja Costa Russi - Langhe DOC - 1 Pullo (0.75L)

the Gaja Costa Russi 2001 (Langhe Nebbiolo DOC).
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Intense garnet red, clear, with warm reflections typical of mature, great Nebbiolo.
Nose: Complex and elegant aromatic profile. Notes of ripe red fruits (cherry, plum, blackberry) and flowers (dried violet and rose) emerge, accompanied by tertiary hints of vanilla, leather, sweet tobacco, fine spices, cocoa, and a subtle balsamic and mineral nuance.
Palate: Soft, enveloping, and extraordinarily structured on the palate. The tannins are silky and well-integrated thanks to aging and bottle evolution. It features a vibrant acidity that ensures balance, fresh elegance, and an incredibly long, persistent finish.
Critical Scores (2001 Vintage)
The 2001 vintage in Piedmont is considered excellent, and Costa Russi 2001 received outstanding ratings from major international wine guides and critics:
Robert Parker / Wine Advocate: 95/100
Wine Spectator: 93/100
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 94–95/100
CellarTracker: ~94/100 (average enthusiast score)
Winery History (Gaja)
Foundation: The Gaja winery was founded in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja in Barbaresco, in the heart of the Langhe region (Piedmont).
Innovation and Expansion: The winery became a global winemaking icon under the leadership of Angelo Gaja, who joined the company in 1961. Angelo revolutionized Italian winemaking and communication by introducing innovative techniques such as:
Using French oak barriques for aging Piedmontese wines.
Temperature-controlled fermentation.
Single-vineyard vinification (famous single vineyards like Sorì San Lorenzo, Sorì Tildìn, and Costa Russi).
The "Costa Russi" Vineyard: Acquired in 1967 by the Gaja family, the vineyard takes its name from "Costa" (the sun-drenched slope) and "Russi," the nickname of the previous owner.
Evolution of the Appellation: For several years (including the 2001 vintage shown), Gaja chose to declassify its single-vineyard Barbarescos to the Langhe DOC Nebbiolo appellation (adding a small percentage of Barbera, around 5%), reserving the Barbaresco DOCG designation exclusively for its traditional blend. Since 2013, the three single-vineyard wines have returned to 100% Nebbiolo under the Barbaresco DOCG classification.