GAJA

Piedmont, Italy

Sori San Lorenzo — 2021

download facts sheet Download tasting notes where to buy
  • Introduction

    • WINERY Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the GAJA winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels.

      WINE In the local dialect, Sorì refers to the hillside facing south, while San Lorenzo is the patron saint protecting Alba’s Cathedral, as the vineyard was church property until 1964, when it was purchased by the Gaja family.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • The Sorì San Lorenzo single vineyard is located in Barbaresco, close to the historic town center. It is south/ southwestern faced and it overlooks the Tanaro River, which regulates temperature and humidity.

    • Vineyards: Barbaresco
    • Appellation: Barbaresco D.O.P
    • Location: Piedmont
    • First Year of Production: 1967
  • Vintage Report

    • In 2021, the grape harvest yielded thin-skinned grapes that were rich in aroma and color, resulting in structured wines with significant volume, richness, and sweet tannins. Abundant snowfall and low temperatures led to an unusually severe, rainy winter, followed by a dry spring. Temperatures rose in mid-March but dropped again in early April with icy winds. Some lower-altitude vineyards were affected by frost, recording losses between 30% and 5%. The summer had hot, dry days alternating with short, frequent gusts of wind that lowered temperatures. Powdery mildew became a real threat in Barbaresco in July, requiring a lot of attention from our team. After a generally dry season, a redeeming rainfall came at the end of August, refreshing the Barbaresco Piedmont Barbaresco D.O.P. Barbaresco 1967 region. Nebbiolo ripened slowly, helped by rainfall on September 17, along with a drop in temperatures and dense fog. The harvest began in Barbaresco on September 21. This relatively dry and cold vintage led to a late harvest and resulted in high quality grapes characterized by smaller berries.

  • Vinification

    • Fermentation, maceration and aging in oak for 24 months.

    • Barrel Aging: 24 months in oak barrels
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo
    • Alcohol: 14.5%
  • Tasting Notes

    • The nose is very intriguing and iridescent with mineral scents, intense aromas of citrus, blackberry, currant and raspberry; yet violet, lily of the valley, rose and wild herbs. On the palate it has volume and power, the texture is dense, with long and full tannins. It’s very complex and changes a lot in the glass.

Images

Reviews

  • Sori San Lorenzo — 2021 – Vinous – 98 Points

    "The 2021 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo is a dark, brooding beauty. In most vintages, Sorì San Lorenzo is more demonstrative, but the 2021 is not in the mood to show all its cards. Black cherry, plum, graphite, menthol and spice emerge with some reticence. Readers will have to be patient with this embryonic Barbaresco. Sadly, production is down by about 30% because of frost."

  • Sori San Lorenzo — 2021 – Wine Enthusiast – 98 Points

    "An enchanting blend of tea and herbs tangos with grilled cherries and reconstituted currants creates an aromatic profile that's sure to turn heads. The palate is a sublime combination of fresh and preserved red berries, wild herbs, leaves, tar, and crushed stone that all work in unison, ever-evolving with each glance of the glass. Well-structured and firm, a wine of remarkable elegance."

  • Sori San Lorenzo — 2021 – James Suckling – 99 Points

    "A rather exotic and wild Sori San Lorenzo. Even flamboyant. Dried flowers and spices with bark, mushroom and dried dark cherry. Perfumed and primary with earth. Full-bodied and juicy with such fine velvety tannins that are layered and superb. So classic and soft on the palate with great length."

  • Sori San Lorenzo — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 98 Points

    "This is rich, juicy and packed with ripe cherry, raspberry, rose, graphite and menthol aromas and flavors. The lush, supple texture is offset by a dense line of chalky tannins that build on the finish. Showing superb balance and length, this teases you with its up-front fruit before tightening up, a foreshadowing of its potential."

More