2011 Gaja, Barbaresco, Costa Russi

Round, supple and succulent, the 2011 Costa Russi is laced with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather. The classic Costa Russi personality comes through in a soft, gracious wine with tons of near and medium-term appeal. The Costa Russi captures an attractive middle ground between the ripe, pliant style of the year and the medium bodied grace of Nebbiolo. I expect the 2011 will offer a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure. Although Costa Russi is often the most precocious of Gaja's single-vineyard wines, it is the last site to be picked.

The 2011 Costa Russi delivers youthfulness and brightness with bold cherry fruit flavors, cassis, spice and mild cola. The wine excels in in the mouth where it shows a great degree of roundness and suppleness. Costa Russi is Nebbiolo with a tiny addition of Barbera. Drink: 2018-2038. I have some happy news to report from the exciting world of Angelo Gaja. The estate that was notoriously difficult (if not impossible) to visit for those outside the wine trade is now opening its doors to the public. There is a steep entrance fee, but the scheme makes perfect sense in my option. Any wine lover can make an appointment to tour the estate and sample wine for up to 300 euros a person. The money must be paid to charity as none of the proceeds go to Gaja. If you have a favorite non-profit organization, make a donation in that amount. Once you send receipt of payment to Gaja’s tasting room staff, your visit will be granted. It sounds like a fair exchange to me. Importer: Terlato Wines International, www.terlatowines.com

The 2011 Costa Russi delivers youthfulness and brightness with bold cherry fruit flavors, cassis, spice and mild cola. The wine excels in in the mouth where it shows a great degree of roundness and suppleness. Costa Russi is Nebbiolo with a tiny addition of Barbera. Drink: 2018-2038. (Monica Larner)

Lots of white truffles, dark berries and mineral aromas follow through to a full body with fine tannins and a chewy finish. Needs time to come together. I like the 2010 better. Try drinking in 2016.

A succulent, fluid red, featuring black cherry, raspberry, leather, spice and anise aromas and flavors. The ripe fruit is layered over a taut weave of acidity and tannins, leaving a long, complex aftertaste of cooked fruit, mocha and spice. Best from 2017 through 2025. 917 cases made. (BS)

95% Nebbiolo, 5% Barbera. Dark, brooding, earthy fruit nose. Impressive compact fruit palate demands much more time and with bags of finely chiselled tannins. Not yet knit together but a beautiful whole. (WS)