Gaja - Barolo Conteisa 2015

The robust character of this warm 2015 vintage stands in stark contrast to the delicate nuances of the 2016 Barbarescos, also now released by Gaja. The 2015 Barolo Conteisa is intense, with a background of plum, prune, grass, mint, and wild cherry. It is a very well-balanced Barolo. The Cerequio vineyard, which supplies the grapes for this wine, often suffers hail damage because it is located along the path of severe weather that sweeps down the hillside of La Morra. There was some damage in mid-August, but the grapes from the 2016 vintage suffered much more in comparison. In fact, so little fruit was spared that Gaia Gaja is almost certain this wine will not be produced in the next vintage. She tells me they are currently experimenting with anti-hail nets at this site—a nightmare they had long hoped to avoid.

An extremely pure fruit-driven nose with aromas of plum and strawberry and notes of cedar and rose petals, as well as rose stems. Full-bodied. Very tannic and structured, yet polished and refined. Dusty and stony nuances and textures. Best enjoyed after 2021.