Country: Italy  Region: Piemonte  Vintage: 2016  Varietal: Nebbiolo  Category: Red Wine  Color: Red Producer: G.D. Vajra Established in 1972 by Guiseppe Domenico Vajra (GD Vajra),this winery is located in the tallest village of Barolo in the north-western part of Italy. Here, the vineyards are located at an altitude of 400m. This brand uses grapes cultivated from its family-owned vineyards to craft exquisite wines. Today, all the 40 hectares of vineyards and the winery are managed by Vajra’s son, Aldo, along with his wife and children. Thanks to the popularity of these wines, the village of Barolo is quite well-known to wine lovers across the globe today. Vajra's Barolo Albe is our top-selling Barolo of all time - and it isn't even close! Sales are more than 3 times the next selling Barolo. This Barolo is our top-selling wine from the entire Piedmont region of Italy.  So what's the secret? Well, for starters, the fruit for the Albe Barolo comes from three different vineyards Coste di Vergne, Fossati and La Volta, each with a different sun exposure and microclimate. This allows for the Vajra family to blend a wine that is consistently outstanding. Then, stylistically, they aim for a wine that is more approachable in youth than their single-vineyard offerings. But with the spectacular 2016 vintage, they may have made their finest yet! They've pulled back a little from the up-front ripeness and accessibility, crafting a wine that still has immediate appeal, but will give more reward with cellaring. Oh... let's say drink from 2021-2032. "The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishes in Slavonian oak casks. Drink 2022-2035." WA"Such a delicious expression of the balanced and drinkable 2016 harvest with fresh red cherries, strawberries and rose perfume. The palate has bright, fine and fleshy texture with a super fine, chalky and plush delivery of ripe, supple and concentrated cherries. So complete." WAKeep in mind that this is a highly regarded vintage that will reward those with the patience to hide some of these away for a few years. There are loads of tannins in this firmly structured wine. While this bodes well for the life expectancy of the wine, don’t be afraid to drink this now. We've sure enjoyed it! Just give it a little air while you prep up your feast. A young Barolo like this is great with Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in red wine. click the pic for a recipe.) You really can’t go wrong with any beef or lamb, but a porcini risotto is a personal favorite that really brings out the subtleties of this beautiful bottle.  Wine Advocate: 94 Points If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishes in Slavonian oak casks.