Costa Russi 1999 Gaja

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (92)

The 1999 Costa Russi, penetrating, intense, and spicy with notes of saddle leather and chocolate, is ripe, round, and fresh in flavor with the customary elegance and satin of tannins which have long distinguished it.

Vinous (94)

Smoke, tar, roses, incense are some of the nuances that emerge as the1999 Costa Russi unfurls in the glass. A blast of dark black fruit follows as this muscular wine opens up in the glass. Costa Russi is often a much softer wine, but in 2009 it is decidedly brooding and intense. Here, too, the aromas and flavors are still quite primary. Darker notes of smoke, scorched earth, French oak and tar are layered into the finish. I imagine the barrels might had higher toast in the late 1990s than they do today. There is so much to like here.