2008 Gaja, Barbaresco, Sori San Lorenzo

The 2008 Sorì San Lorenzo is an especially dark, imposing wine. Here the flavors are inward and brooding, with massive intensity and a sense of structure that was not apparent the last time I tasted it. Today, the oak is a bit obvious, but that may be attributable to the context of this tasting in which so many of the wines are quite a bit older. -- Antonio Galloni, November 2014

Gaja’s 2008 Sori San Lorenzo is impeccable from start to finish. The 2008 is a round, seamless San Lorenzo with seemingly no hard edges and terrific overall balance. The signature aromas and flavors are there, as is the wine’s typical gravitas, yet the 2008 has an extra level of sweetness, its size notwithstanding. The wine possesses striking inner perfume and fabulous overall balance. The sheer excitement of the very finest years isn’t quite there, but this is a fine bottle just the same. An explosive, juicy finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. AG

What a nose of truffles, orange peel and berries. Full body, with velvety tannins and a long chewy finish. This is big and structured. Needs at least four to five years of bottle age.

95% Nebbiolo, 5% Barbera. The Sorí San Lorenzo vineyard is nine acres located bang in the middle of the village of Barbaresco, 260 m above sea level. Yield 35 hl/ha. Fermented and macerated in stainless steel for three weeks. Aged in barriques for 12 months, then a further 12 months in large oak casks. TA 5.45 g/l, pH 3.6, RS 1.7 g/l. 8,000 bottles. Scented, dried cherries. Dry finish. Demanding. This is the current release. (JR)