Gaja Barbaresco 2019

97 points Susan Hulme (The Wine Independent): "Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco was bottled only a few days before this tasting but it already has sweet roses and red fruits on the nose with very subtle, gentle spice notes. It has a great texture and flows gracefully across the palate. It feels very harmonious with plenty of refreshing acidity and finely integrated tannins. Sublimely elegant with a fine, silt-like texture to the tannins, it is poised, beautifully understated and charming. Keep for 2 years and drink for up to 20 plus. Alcohol 14%. Drink: 2024-2042. (7/13/22)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Heady aromas of rose, violet, forest berry and a whiff of oak-driven spice shape the nose. Smooth and full-bodied, the elegantly structured palate delivers crushed raspberry, licorice and coffee bean set against taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2025–2034. (Jul 2022)"

96 points Falstaff Guide: "Clear, brightening ruby garnet. Fragrant, finely marked nose, of raspberry, rose petals and ripe cherries, inviting. Polished, finely meshed tannin characterizes the wine on the palate, like a fine robe, salty, lots of ripe cherry, long finish. (Oct 2022)."

95 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$367 list] A complex red, this reveals multidimensional aromas and flavors of rose, cherry, licorice, mineral and spices. This is fused to a vibrant structure that, for now, gives a taut, almost racy profile. Marrying power and grace, this ends in a long, floral- and spice-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2045. (3/1/23)"

94 points James Suckling: "This has aromas of iron, mineral, bitter chocolate, wild strawberries, raw walnuts, orange peel and decayed roses. Medium- to full-bodied, with sleek and very chalky tannins. Lots of fruit on the palate with a fine, fresh and mineral end. Pure and linear. Try in 2025. (2/17/23)"

93+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco is gorgeous. Bright and nervy, with fabulous balance, the 2019 captures all the best this tricky vintage had to offer. Gaja did not bottle any other Barbaresco crus, opting to use the best lots for this bottling. That decision paid off in a 2019 that sizzles with tension. The aromatics alone are captivating. Bright acids lend vibrancy to a core of beautifully delineated Nebbiolo fruit. I can't wait to see how this ages. Drink 2025-2039 (Oct 2022)."