2016 Gaja Sori Tildin Barbaresco DOCG

Few wineries evoke excellence and artistry the way the Gaja family name does. To utter these two simple syllables is to call forth one of the greatest and most venerated traditions in European winemaking. To mention this family and its wines is to summon an icon and touchstone of Italian viticulture. Sori Tildin was acquired by Gaja in 1967 and is named for Angelo's grandmother, Clotilde Rey. Sori means "hilltop" in Piemontese dialect. This wine is considered one of the finest Nebbiolos in the world. A nearly perfect vintage in the hands of one of the greatest producers of Nebbiolo in the world, it is no surprise this wine is reaching perfection. 

The Gaja family landed in Piemonte from Spain in the 17th century. Following WWII, Giovanni Gaja acquired large vineyard holdings in the area. His son, Angelo, is considered one of the pioneers of modern winemaking in Italy. After studying wine in Montpellier, he was one of the first to bring French techniques such as barrique barrel aging, malolactic fermentation, and modern technical innovations. Yet, he continued to implement extended macerations following fermentation. By raising the level and recognition of Nebbiolo, Angelo Gaja has been commended by every major wine publication in the world and acknowledged as an innovator. Today, his two daughters Gaia and Rossana manage the extensive land holdings and global distribution of this important brand.

Ageing: 24 months in Oak Barrels

This wine shows charming aromas of essential oils, notes of sandalwood, cinchona, oleander, laurel, and almond tree. It is complex and deeper on the nose, with a persistent cedar note. Sweet fruits aromas such as white melon, pear, coriander, sage, and other aromatic herbs. It is well-structured in the mouth, combined with a refreshing acidity.

The 2016 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn is a fabulous, incredibly complete wine that soars out of the glass with explosive structure and vertical lift. The tannins are very much present, but also matched beautifully by the wine's aromatic intensity and overall drive. Dark macerated cherry, spice, leather, licorice, plum and mocha add darker shades of nuance. In 2016, Sorì Tildìn is a bit more brooding and bigger than it often is, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. It is quite simply a majestic wine of real grandeur and total class, but it is not obvious. Sorì Tildìn will appeal most to readers who understand what the truest essence of Nebbiolo is all about. In a word: magnificent! ~100 Antonio Galloni

Coming from a warmer, south-facing site, the 2016 Barbaresco Sori Tildin is a more concentrated, vibrant wine compared to the straight Barbaresco and has vivid notes of bright cherry fruits, rose petals, road tar, violets and even a hint of orange blossom. Incredible on the palate, with medium to full body, an incredible, seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a monster finish. The tannins here are unquestionably on another level and are perfectly ripe, and this just about off-the-charts 2016 has a Grand Cru Red Burgundy-like texture, elegance, and stature. This bottle didn't hit prime time until the second day, so either give bottles a healthy decant or, even better, 5-7 years in a cold cellar. ~98 Jeb Dunnuck

Here's a wonderfully spicy and opulent rendition of Nebbiolo and another very full and rich Barbaresco from Gaja. The 2016 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn is open, more concentrated and structured. There are pretty floral notes of rose hip or wild rose in this generous wine of broad scope. We're talking about smaller fruit here, with plums, cassis, blackberry and plenty of power. Everything came to perfect maturity in this 2016 vintage, representing that rare merge of quantity and quality. This is what you get from the dense soils of the warm, south-facing Sorì Tildìn site and similar ones where the terrain can keep the moisture locked in. The 2016 growing season was also marked by sharp diurnal shifts, and rainfall was well-timed to occur when it was needed most. ~97 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Extremely perfumed aromas of dried flowers, dried strawberries and pumice, as well as tar, following through to a full body, with chewy and polished tannins and a long, juicy finish. Quite broad tannins. Dusty texture. Drink after 2021. ~97 Points James Suckling

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