Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco 2016 (75cl, 14%)

Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco 2016 is a single-vineyard Barbaresco from Piedmont, Italy, made from 100% Nebbiolo. The vineyard covers just over four hectares at about 230 metres altitude on a south-west-facing slope, with clayey-calcareous marl soils and vines averaging 65 years of age. The 2016 underwent roughly three weeks of fermentation and maceration, then 12 months in French barriques and 12 months in large oak casks. The nose has rose petal, elderflower, violet, dark-skinned berry, eucalyptus, anise seed and coconut. The palate is taut and austere, with vibrant acidity, red cherry, cranberry, kirsch, orange zest and rosewater. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with dried flowers, tobacco and spicy plum.