Gaja Costa Russi Langhe Nebbiolo 2021 750ml

Nebbiolo from Langhe, Piedmont, Italy 

Notes from the Winemaker

From Gaja's prized Costa Russi vineyard in Barbaresco, a site known for its exceptional terroir, comes the captivating 2021 expression, a testament to both the vintage and the producer's artistry. The southwest-facing slopes and clay-limestone soils contribute to its distinctive character. The 2021 vintage, praised for its balance, yields fragrant aromas of rose, violet, wild berry, and a hint of crushed Alpine herbs, as noted by Kerin O'Keefe (98 points). On the palate, it's elegantly structured with succulent red berry, blood orange, and taut tannins, energized by bright acidity. Pair this "absolute stunner" with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, or aged cheeses.

Reviews and Accolades

98 Points/Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a jeweled ruby color and is bright with fresh herbs, mint, cherries, thyme, and freshly dried earth. It has good volume and ripe structure on the palate and is long and cooling, with a note of fresh lavender. It also has a great, mouthwatering mineral tone with a more linear feel, but it’s powerful at the same time, with the sanguine and ripe blood orange notes that are shared across the vintage. It needs time, but wow, is it worth snapping up!

97 Points/James Suckling
This is so aromatic, with nutmeg, white pepper, matchstick, flint, bramble berries, blackberries and iodine. Medium-bodied with sleek and flexed tannins that give form and raciness. Spicy at the end. Shows excellent potential. Give this three to four years to open.

95 Points/Wine Spectator
Expressive and elegant, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. Deftly balanced at this youthful stage, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity, this lingers with a complex mix of fruit and mineral elements, with a hint of eucalyptus. Best from 2027 through 2045. 125 cases imported.