2004 Costa Russi
By Gaja
2004 Costa Russi from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
The 2004 Costa Russi from Gaja has been hailed as one of the most ideal representations of Italian finesse and power. This particular vintage excelled in its harmonious performance, especially remarkable given the challenges faced in the 2004 growing season in Piedmont. A cool, rainy summer followed by a dry September allowed for nebbiolo’s characteristically late ripening to unfold its dramatic potential.
An Expression of Persistence and Potential
Gaja's diligent vineyard management, combined with a serendipitous combination of temperate climate and geographical positioning, rewarded us with the superb 2004 Costa Russi. This fine wine serves as a testament to the high-quality investment opportunities coming out of Italy, underlining their ability to compete with heavyweight regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy.
The 2004 Costa Russi, astoundingly well balanced with a vividly intense bouquet of red fruits, grilled herbs and tar; reveals an ensemble of strong tannins gently softened by notes of sweet balsamic. It is renowned for its elegance, unveiling layers upon layers as it expands and evolves in the glass.
Classic Vintage, Unexpected Joys
The climatic conditions of 2004 in Piedmont have generously attributed to the structure of this wine. Defined by its weight yet brilliant acidity, evidence of the vintage's uneven weather pattern does not overshadow the quality expressed by this varietal but rather enhances it.
Rich dark cherry fruit resides at the heart of this enterprise, enveloped by nuanced flavours that ripple with time; dark spices, leather and gamey undernotes all contribute to the grand orchestration that is the 2004 Costa Russi. Its medley of flavour and aroma personifies the fine richness of Italian winemaking.
A Wine Worth Savoring
With its unmistakable excellence, the 2004 Costa Russi has marked itself as an outstanding investment for lovers of both wine and financial growth. Its harmonious interplay of aromas, tastes, and aging potential ensure it remains a classic example of sophisticated viticulture – a testament to what Italy's sublime terroirs can achieve in reputable hands like Gaja.
Highly collectible and persistently desirable, the 2004 Costa Russi from Gaja makes a noteworthy addition to any savvy investor's portfolio.
Market price (USD)
$4,590.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
250.67
Scores and tasting notes
The 2004 Costa Russi is irresistibly sexy and opulent. As is typically the case, the wine is more overtly fruit-driven, with a round, supple personality. Sweet, long and richly-textured, it is just plain awesome in its display of generous, vibrant fruit, tar, smoke, minerals and herbs. It is the finest Costa Russi yet. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024. Angelo Gaja and long-time oenologist Guido Rivella produced some of the most monumental wines of their long, storied partnership in 2004. Although I admire Gaja’s wines, especially for their consistency, I rarely find them this emotionally moving and utterly profound. The stable weather and cool, tempering evenings towards the end of the growing season allowed Gaja and Rivella to harvest fairly late in 2004. I remember passing by Gaja’s Barbaresco vineyards in October of that year and seeing fruit still waiting to be picked long after most producers had already brought the fruit in. Gaja’s 2004s from Barbaresco are especially breathtaking for their clarity and precision. The wines also seem less internationally-styled than in the past. Readers fortunate enough to possess the means to acquire these wines won’t want to miss them! The 2003s from the Barolo zones of La Morra and Serralunga are also strong efforts considering the vintage. “Historically in Piedmont there has been an inverse relationship between quality and quantity. Great vintages like 1961 and 1989 were characterized by low yields,” says Gaja. “2004 is one of those rare vintages like 1964 and 1990 where quality is high even though yields were generous as well. I think 2004 is a very elegant vintage. It is much easier to achieve opulence in the wines, but finesse is always much more elusive.” Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2007