🏰【A real head-turner, the 2013 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi is a crystalline and utterly vivid expression of Nebbiolo, celebrated for its class, strength, and finesse, and marking a return to 100% Nebbiolo.】 The 2013 vintage in Piedmont was extremely good, a cool, almost austere vintage with a late harvest, preserving natural acidity and complex aromas. This vintage also marks a significant change as it's the first time in recent memory that Costa Russi is a pure expression of Nebbiolo, no longer blended with 5% Barbera. Costa Russi is known for delicate, light-bodied wines with floral aromas. Expect a medium ruby color, almost purple. Captivating nose with well-integrated aromas of blackberries, violets, roasted coffee beans, berry, dark chocolate, and walnut character. Bright floral and minty notes add lift. The palate is full-bodied, dense, and chewy, with a firm sense of tannic structure, very fresh, and a bright finish with chocolate, mango, and ripe strawberry flavors. It needs four or five years to soften, and is expected to be better in 2021. 🍴 This vibrant Barbaresco pairs excellently with lamb, hearty meat dishes, truffle dishes, or aged cheeses. 🥂 An excellent choice for a special dinner, a celebration, or for cellaring to allow its structure to soften and complexity to develop, with a drinking window from 2020 through 2036.