Boy, this provides a lot of nebbiolo bang for the buck (~$24). Very drinkable, but with a lot of concentration. Very good tannic grip at the back but not harsh at all. Like a Barolo normale with the foot just slightly off the accelerator; a big step up from your average Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d’Alba. I’d take this over a Produttori torre/normale bottling, and it’s a bit cheaper. I’m headed back for more. At least 89 for me.
John,
I think Vajra is really getting the job done. In addition to the straight Nebb, their normale Albe, and Bricco Delle Viole are superb wines, as is Friesa Kye and their 2 Barberas. Considering their prices and the quality, Vajra wines might be the best value in Piedmont.
They deliver a lot of good-great wine for the money. The basic Rosso is one of the top value wines made anywhere. And if you love Dolcetto, they have your wine. Looking forward to tasting the 2010 Barolo Albe.
Good wines, nice value and a very fun place to visit. If there was ever a wine making facility that was in need of expansion, Vajra is it. An efficient use of space, so to speak.
John, was this the Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d’Alba? I’m not too conversant regarding wines from the Piedmont, but I understand there is a difference, and I’m not sure Vajra makes a Nebbiolo d’Alba.
I’ve recently tried Vajra’s 2010 Langhe Nebbiolo, 2008 Barolo Viole, and the 2009 Barolo Albe (first Vajras I’ve tried). Really enjoyed the Langhe as an excellent QPR; a very nice velvety texture and showing some complex aromas. Loved the Viole; so elegant and pure, with amazing complexity; it really lit me up. The Albe was a brute, a real animal; preferred the Viole (different vintage, I know), though I still enjoyed it, and it struck me as needing to be stuck in the back corner of the cellar for at least ten years.
I’ve also had a few bottles of the 2012 Burlotto Langhe Nebbiolo. Another terrific QPR, very floral and herbal, seems to be packaged in a slightly lighter frame than the 2010 Vajra Neb and it seemed more simple and straightforward (again, different vintage, but I don’t know too much about the Piedmont vintages).
I’d love to hear more about these two producers, and would be interested in producers in a similar vein. Piedmont seems to be a good place to look while Burgundy prices are going through the roof. Won’t completely stop buying Burgundy, but I’m cutting back a bit.
Wouldn’t the Albe be a big step up in terms of quality?
You’re right – it was the Langhe Nebbiolo. I’ve edited the post to clarify that. The appellations are shown on this map.
FYI, the 09 Langhe Nebbiolo was also excellent.
I think the only time I’ve had the Albe was at the winery three years ago, and I found it a bit coarse – a bit too extracted or something. The Viole was in a different league.
I’ve just started to open the 14 and what a great qpr. It’s young but 1 hr in the decanter really does it and a great way to enjoy Nebbiolo while waiting on your Barolo. Silly qpr though price varies across the country.
cheers
I also enjoyed the '14 with pizza on Thursday night.
Great stuff for low $20s. Beautiful aromatics in a young Nebbiolo.
Step up from the Rosso, though, that’s worth plenty of its $15 asking price.
Vajra rocks.
Excellent note, John! Wonderful wines. Wonderful people!
I’m still drinking my '11s of this with excellent results. Will keep my eyes peeled for the '14 based on positive notes here. Really enjoy this wine and the basic rosso, which, while not as good, is a lovely fruity wine when young. That wine seems to show its freisa and pinot inclusion well IMO.
You guys drink from producers not in O’Keefe’s book?
BTW I noticed I gave both bottles I drank 91. I had an 06 this year too and it was past it’s prime.
Xavier, I’m in the same boat and there are many more I’m sure. Love both Bugundy and Piedmont, and the price differential even now (with Piedmont catching up at the top end) is stunning.
Taking Vajra for example, I recently grabbed their 2011 Ravera and Bricco for under $60, which in Burgundy (Côte de Nuits) terms usually equates to a middling village or high end BR.
Burlotto has more of a singular style, it’s different, herbal, and angular as you mention. I’m surprised by how many of my friends love the wines while I’m myself not quite sure. Favorites of mine so far have been the '06 Monvigliero and the '12 Langhe you mention.
I still buy Burgundy because it’s the stuff I want to drink on the day to day, but for the big dinners I’d like to have both on the table most of the time. The Barolo Cru most in common with Burgundy is probably Cannubi, it has a sleek texture along with good freshness and medium structure. A lot of sandy soil there, and a warmer site, so one to look for in cooler, wet vintages (06’, 08’, 10’, 12’, etc.)