Professional reviews
Robert Parker (96)
This was an epic vintage, and the entire Gaja family is ready to sing its praises. The 2021 Barbaresco sets the tone with sweet cherry flavors framed by spice, earthy notes and elegantly sweet tannins. Giovanni Gaja says the 2021 growing season had two phases: the first six months of the year saw rain and cool temperatures with some frost and soggy conditions until May; however, from June forward, the season saw sunny days without excessive heat spikes. Indeed, 2021 marks the beginning of drought years that lasted until 2023. Barbaresco was hit by hail on July 31, 2021, but the Gaja vineyards were unharmed. In line with the character of the vintage, this wine shows succulent fruit that is balanced and not too ripe. There is depth and volume here.
Winespectator (95)
A pretty red, elegant and expressive, offering strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support, giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely, turning more austere, with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste.
James Suckling (95)
The aromas of licorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberry are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate of fine tannins that are seamless and unseen. It’s long and lively. It needs two to four years to open up.
Vinous (94)
The 2021 Barbaresco is a powerful, layered wine from Gaja. In some recent years, the Barbaresco has been pretty approachable out of the gate, but the 2021 is a deep, serious wine with a lot of potential for future development. Pretty floral and spice notes linger on the finish. I admire its vibrant, dynamic personality.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
A brightly jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Barbaresco is super-expressive, with loads of wild raspberries that leap from the glass along with notes of strawberries, pressed roses, fresh orange, and violet. As it opens, it evens picks up some spice box, cigar incense, and cherry notes. Crystalline in nature and ripe, this next-level red delivers ripe, sweet tannins, great tension, and fresh, vibrant acidity, without any austerity. A luxury racecar, it’s fantastic and possibly the wine of the year.
