For anyone unfamiliar with G.D. Vajra or who hasn’t had a chance to try their single-vineyard wines before here is the scoop: G.D. Vajra has long represented one of the best values in Barolo and over the years has become particularly well-known for their Barolo Albe bottling, a large-scale blend of different Nebbiolo plots across Barolo that have always represented an expressive (rose, pressed flowers), versatile (good acidity, tannins typically representative of the vintage), and accessible version of Barolo. The 2021 Barolo Albe that we offered recently not only lives up to the heritage of that wine, but took yet another leap forward in this strong 2021 vintage.
What we’re here to talk about is how the Vajra family has been taking their fantastic winemaking strengths, turning them towards their best vineyards (Bricco delle Viole, Ravera, and Coste di Rose), and making special wines that stand head and shoulders above not only their own Albe bottling, but above hundreds of other wines in the Langhe region.
The Wines – 2021 Star Power
First, a quick word on the Barolo 2021 vintage. It’s stellar. After many years of hot, sunny vintages with little to no rainfall, the winters of both 2020 and 2021 offered the respite of abundant snowfall, an essential component of replenishing underground water reserves so critical to the vines in a region with no irrigation. The next building block was a long, even, and classic growing season with very hot days only a rarity, a great contrast to other recent vintages. This long growing season gave time for grapes to concentrate appropriately, granting great tannin structure, vibrant perfume, and long, clearly defined aromas and textures. This vintage marries the great skill and tools of current winemakers with a classic, beautiful vintage of years gone by. In short, 2021 is Barolo in High Definition, a vintage that is putting a twinkle in many a winemaker’s eye and one that you won’t want to miss out on!
But don’t just take our word for it:
Vajra is one of the leading estates in Piedmont. The reason is simple. Every wine is spot on, from the Dolcettos all the way up to the top Barolos. That may not seem especially remarkable, but it is. The number of estates that operate on this level is pretty small. Moreover, the Vajras have never sought to push pricing, even during times when the overall market environment would have likely allowed it. The Barolos are vinified along classic lines, with long fermentations (including submerged cap maceration) followed by aging in cask. Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished, and an absolute delight to drink. That holds true for the entry-level offerings in this consistently outstanding range. - By Antonio Galloni on January 2025
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G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose 2021 96WA / 91VM
$66.99 on 6+ bottles* US LOW
$71.99 reg
*OK to mix & match
Coste di Rose is a small MGA in Comune di Barolo. It is located on a steep slope that arises from Bosco della Fava and descends swiftly towards the border with Monforte d’Alba. The greatest emotion is the one you feel when reaching the top of the vineyard: a five-meter tall dune of pure Arenarie di Diano stands out there, as the witness of the unique soil composition of Coste di Rose. These sands provide Barolo DOCG Coste di Rose with its distinctive character: tones of cherry and rose petals, mint and sweet spices, a silky tannin and a juicy sip.
The unique sandstone dune that shapes this Barolo gives it a very distinctive character, one that the Vajra team are starting to really dial into in this newer vineyard. The 2020 Coste di Rose was the wine that convinced me of the quality of this site, overperforming in a hot vintage, and the 2021 Coste di Rose only steps on the accelerator harder!
G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera 2021 97WA / 95VM
$81.99 on 6+ bottles* US LOW
$86.99 Reg
*OK to mix & match
Ravera is the most important single vineyard in Comune di Novello, located on the south-west quadrant of the Barolo area. This site has a very complex subsoil where marls of Tortonian origin mix with clays and sandstones of the Serravallian period. Vajra’s parcels are located in the most southern amphitheater, between 320 and 340 meters. This is a terroir that delivers bright aromatics and unrestrained power with beautiful textures and richness. Ravera is usually picked right at the middle of the Nebbiolo harvest, usually in the second or third week of October.
In this vintage, this bottling has to represent one of the highest quality-to-price ratios we’ve seen in quite some time for any Barolo!
G.D. Vajra Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2021 97WA / 96VM
$84.99 on 6+ bottles* US Low is $84
$89.99
*OK to mix & match
Bricco delle Viole Cru: Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates by the flowers that blossom early due to the perfect south exposure. Up above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset every day. Thanks to its vines dating back to 1949, a dramatic diurnal temperature range and this pure light, Bricco delle Viole generates a sophisticated and profound Barolo of bright aromatics, chiseled tannins and subtle minerality.
Bricco delle Viole has long been one of the stars of the Vajra portfolio as it is their home turf surrounding the winery, and the cru that they own the largest plots of. Although a few other Bricco delle Viole bottlings can be found, for those who want a gorgeous, aromatic, and granularly-defined Barolo the Vajra bottling has often been a great choice.
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Luigi Baudana
Luigi Baudana is one of the smallest active wineries in Serralunga d’Alba and the entire Barolo region. With only 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres) farmed in some of the prime crus of the village! For over 30 years, Luigi and his wife Fiorina carried on the family’s heritage in Serralunga d’Alba. In January 2009, Luigi and Fiorina entrusted the Vajra family with a unique mission: being the guardian of their family name, story and vineyards. Perpetuating Luigi’s legacy, learning from his wealth of experience, and seeking for authenticity, is all what matters here.
2021 Luigi Baudana Barolo Serralunga 94WA / 92VM
$51.99 on 6+ bottles *OK to mix & match
$54.99 reg US LOW
The 2021 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba is superb. Creamy and resonant in the glass with gorgeous mid-palate depth the 2021 is a terrific wine in its peer group. Rose petal incense blood orange dried herbs and cedar confer notable complexity. This is a gorgeous wine in every way. The Baudana Serralunga Barolo is one of so many wines in Piedmont that overachieves. Vineyard sources are young vines in Baudana and Ceretta plus Costabella. - By Antonio Galloni on January 2025
Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2021 95WA / 95VM
$83.99 on 6+ bottles * OK to mix & match
$88.99 US LOW
The organic Luigi Baudana 2021 Barolo Baudana appears glossy and polished with bright intensity delivered through red and purple fruits spice and floral aromas. The wine is quite lightweight on the palate even lean but it makes up for a lack of textural weight with a very long and silky finish. Minutes later you feel dried rose and pulverized stone. Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Luigi Baudana Barolo Cerretta 2021 95WA / 95VM
$83.99 on 6+ bottles* OK to mix & match
$88.99 US LOW
The 2021 Barolo Cerretta is the most classically Serralunga of the three wines this year. Bold searing tannins support a core of dark-toned fruit. Graphite lavender cloves incense and licorice add to an impression of virile intensity. All this needs is time to soften a touch. - By Antonio Galloni on January 2025
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