G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera 2020

97 points / 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$100 list] The Ravera cru, one of the estate's prized holdings, is known for its calcareous soil and old vines that contribute to the wine's depth and ageability. This Barolo showcases crushed raspberries and red currants intertwined with wild thyme and fresh laurel. Subtle notes of cinchona bark, whole cinnamon, and fresh porcini add complexity. On the palate, warmed mixed berry jam is dusted with crushed cloves, pepper, and earthy hints of truffle and underbrush. Fine and elegant tannins provide structure, while the well-balanced warmth envelops the senses like a comforting hug. Alcohol 14%. Drink Now - 2045 (Sep 2024)"

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Ravera reveals wild forest berry, cherry, licorice root and sweet summer fruit. The effect is focused or chiseled thanks to animating acidity and pinpoint fruit flavors. Located in the village of Novello, Ravera benefits from open panoramas and cooler temperatures from the mountains. These factors make this cru one of the most promising in this era of climate change. This is a Barolo for the purists. Drink 2026-2045 (Apr 2024)"

95 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The 2020 Ravera from G.D. Vajra is taut and savory, featuring aromas and flavors of juicy wild strawberry, cherry, forest floor, blood orange and star anise. A salty note signals the close while close-grained tannins grip the close. Give this a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2028–2035. (Feb 2024)"

95 points James Suckling: "Blood orange, savory plum and clove characters with a touch of haw fruit and white pepper. Close-knit, chalky tannins on the palate with a structured full body and a zesty, tense finish. Long, complex, austere and expansive. Better from 2026. (Jan 2024)"

94+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2020 Barolo Ravera is a gorgeous, aromatically exotic wine that is going to need time to be at its best. Orange peel, spice, menthol and kirsch all lift from the glass, conveying a good deal of ethereal Nebbiolo beauty before the tannins kick in. There's gorgeous weight and substance here, in the mid-weight style of the year. More than anything else, I admire the balance. Drink 2025-2035 (Jan 2024)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "A dense, compact version, with cherry and raspberry fruit accented by hay, thyme, iron and tobacco notes. Linear and lively, with mouthpuckering tannins framing the finish, this needs time for all its elements to come together. Best from 2029 through 2050. (Nov 2024)"