Aldo Vajra releases his wines later than most producers, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to taste his entire line-up. In most vintages I consider his Dolcetto d’Alba Coste e Fossati and Barbera d’Alba Superiore to be among the best wines in the region. His unique interpretation of Freisa, Kye, elevates this rustic variety to a level that has eluded other growers. Vajra’s 2001 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is a delicate, classically styled wine that gradually opens to reveal a beautifully detailed expression of ripe fruit, spices and menthol that floats on the palate with remarkable elegance and finesse. Deceptively medium in body, it offers superb grace and poise. Over the last few years this has been a consistently outstanding, yet overlooked, wine from Aldo and Milena Vajra, two of the nicest and most grounded people you will ever meet in Piedmont. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2021. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2021. Importer: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808

Sweet raspberry and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a delicate finish. Drink now. 850 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add