2008 Barbaresco DOCG
By Gaja
2008 Barbaresco DOCG by Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
Italian finesse and centuries-old winemaking expertise indisputably find themselves woven within the vibrant hues of the 2008 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja. This bold expression from the golden vintage of 2008 distinctly stands out, bearing the unmistakable marker of a wine born within Piedmont's sundrenched vineyards.
Vintage distinctness personified
The 2008 Barbaresco DOCG showcases a compelling roundness due to the relatively warm weather experienced in the early stages of its development, only to be contrasted sharply by an abrupt cooling spell that brought about an extended hang-time for the Nebbiolo grapes. This challenging climate switcheroo magnified the compelling attributes of Nebbiolo—displaying taut, refined tannins and a lingering complexity on the palate.
Rapturous rendezvous for investors
This investment-worthy product showcases Gaja's undeniable ability to navigate a fluctuating climate, adapting their vineyard tactics to harness the environment's offering rather than submit to it. As such, fine wine investors will appreciate that Gaja's commitment translates into robust repute and remarkable returns over time.
Freshly picked rose petals find accord with black cherries and licorice on the nose, while an earthy truffle undertone brings a sensational complexity to this Italian red. The balance carries through on a palate where dark fruit mingles with balsamic-infused cacao—it is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Stellar story imbibed in a bottle
The 2008 Barbaresco DOCG is indeed one of Gaja's finest creations—an embodiment of Italian terroir refined meticulously over the years. A testament to resilience and adaptation, this vintage upholds Gaja's iconic status among Italian wine producers.
Wine investors seeking illustrious bottles that best embody the spirit of Italian viticulture, while promising appreciable returns, need not look further than this showdown of roundness and complexity—the 2008 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja.
This Piedmont gem surely is one for the years; a magnificent testament of time wrapped in finesse and delivered beautifully in your glass. Unquestionably, an asset to any sophisticated fine wine investment portfolio.
Market price (SGD)
$3,500.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
160.77
Scores and tasting notes
The 2008 Barbaresco emerges from the glass with sweet red cherries, spices, flowers and licorice. This is an attractive Barbaresco with excellent depth and a firm, tannic spine that is very nicely integrated with the fruit. The 2008 isn’t a blockbuster, but it should drink well with minimum cellaring. This is a classic, linear Barbaresco endowed with terrific energy and focus. Right now the 2008 seems to be holding its cards close to the vest. I would not be surprised to see it show even better in a few years’ time. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028. This is a stunning set of wines from Angelo Gaja and his team in Barbaresco. Those who think 2008 is a truly great year for Nebbiolo must have tasted these wines. In a vintage that is inconsistent across the villages of Barbaresco, Gaja has produced not one but four stellar wines. As fabulous as these wines are, they aren’t especially true to type, as I explain in these notes. The 2008s I tasted in the US showed far better than the bottles I tasted in Barbaresco during the summer. Perhaps the onset of the cool fall weather gave these wines a little more spine than they had during the sweltering heat of August. Readers who want to learn more about the 2011 harvest at Gaja may want to take a look at my video interview with Gaia Gaja and vineyard manager Giorgio Culasso. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2011