Last night, we were invited to participate in an exclusive tasting of several collectible and cult wines from Gaja Vineyards at Chateau Cellars in Tampa, Fl. Alejandro from Wilson Daniel’s Fine Wine Imports provided an informative presentation on the history of the Gaja brand and family while we savored each exquisite wine, expertly paired with delectable bites prepared by the Chateau Cellars chef.
To our delight, we had the privilege of meeting some remarkable individuals, including Tyler and Sara, who generously shared some of their aged Gaja wines from their private collection.
It was an exceptional evening of unforgettable tastings and networking with new friends. I am pleased to provide my review of the wines we experienced below:
Alteni de Brassica Langhe Bianco 2021
Tasting Notes: Saline, cedar, citrus, peach, green apple, pear and tropical fruit
Characteristics: Elegant and clean, crisp, lovely and bright
My Rating: 4.8 / 98
Pieve (church) Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Reninna 2018
Tasting Notes: Red and black fruit, blackberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, herbs, and oak
Characteristics: Smooth and fruit forward
My Rating: 4.6 / 96 points
Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille 2018
Tasting Notes: Black fruit, cedar, pine, lavender, mushroom, spice, licorice and vanilla
Characteristics: Silky, smooth and layered with depth and complexity
My Rating: 4.9 / 99 points
Ca’ Marcanda, Camarcanda 2020
Tasting Notes: Violet, cedar, licorice, blackberry, herbs, black currant, dark cherry and raspberry
Characteristics: Rich, smooth and velvety
My Rating: 4.7 / 97 points
Barbaresco Sori Tildin 2020
Tasting Notes: Plum, violet, rose, black pepper, black cherry, leather, tobacco and orange
Characteristics: Special, intense with layers of complexity yet beautiful elegance
My Rating: 5.0 / 100 points *
Darmagi Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Tasting Notes: Dark Cherry, blackberry, spice, plum, espresso, nutty, blueberry, cassis, and tobacco
Characteristics: Exquisite, elegant wine with hints of smoke and spice and a long silky finish
My Rating: 4.9 / 99 points
Barolo Conteisa 2018
Tasting Notes: Plum, strawberry, mint, floral, black cherry, pomegranate, earthy, coffee, and licorice
Characteristics: Intense yet silky smooth with notes of fresh ripe fruit, balanced with herbs and floral essence
My Rating: 4.7 / 97 points
Gaja Sori Tildin 1996
Tasting Notes: Plum, honey, earthy, leather, dark fruit, coffee, cedar, rose, cinnamon, and menthol
Characteristics: Rich, earthy, layered, and complex with a long finish
My Rating: 5.0 / 100 points *
Gaja Sori Tildin 1999
Tasting Notes: Forest floor, earthy, floral, menthol, red and dark fruit, and meaty
Characteristics: Earthy yet fruity and velvety
My Rating: 4.9 / 99 points
Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 1998
Tasting Notes: Spice, salt, raw meat, black cherry, blackberry, earth, tobacco, toast, oak, espresso, leather, and pepper. The nose has an aroma of Lawry’s steak seasoning
Characteristics: Layered and expressive
My Rating: 4.6 / 96 points
Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 1997
Tasting Notes: Earthy, mushroom, black currant, black fruit, floral, black pepper, vanilla and cassis
Characteristics: Intense, big, and rich with a balanced long, smooth finish
My Rating: 5.0 / 100 points *
Gaja Sperss Langhe Vineyard Barolo 2001
Tasting Notes: Mint, licorice, floral, plum, tobacco, blackberry, and leather
Characteristics: Masculine with layers of complexity and depth
My Rating: 4.8 / 98 points
