The 2010 Costa Russi is a vineyard-designate 'Barbaresco' (although the wine’s addition of 5% Barbera prohibits it from being called such) that opens to even more profound depth and generosity. As is typical of this cru expression, the wine displays an amazing assortment of aromas that span from the floral to the spicy. Supple, round and seductive, it caresses the palate in the most beautiful fashion. The 2010 vintage is shaping up handsomely for those who collect Gaja’s best bottles. 95 points, Wine Advocate.
The 2010 Costa Russi is unusually firm in this vintage, with far less early appeal than is typically the case. Floral, perfumed and sensual, the 2010 is going to require time in the cellar for the tannins to soften. The 2010 is likely to remain a slightly slender, classic Costa Russi built on energy, freshness and vibrancy, but all the elements are in place for this to develop into a fabulous wine. Black cherries, plums, mocha and menthol wrap around the powerful finish. The 2010 is one the most reticent, tightly-wound Costa Russis I can remember tasting. This is a great showing. 95 points, Vinous.
Aromas of freshly sliced strawberries and wild flowers. Minty. Full body, with wonderfully integrated tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Drink from 2016. 95 points, jamessuckling.com
A modern style, with black cherry, pomegranate, plum and spice flavours. Supple and harmonious, offering refined tannins and a lingering aftertaste of berry, white pepper and tobacco. Shows terrific length and energy on the minerally finish. This has the structure to develop. 94 points.
Good full medium red. Subdued aromas of strawberry, red cherry and underbrush; oakier than the Barbaresco. Then lusher on the palate but with bright acidity and a firm tannic structure giving definition to the flavours of strawberry coulis and mocha. Finishes with terrific definition and a whiplash of fruits and flowers. Impressive potential here. 94+ points, International Wine Cellar.
Gaja
Founded in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja, this prestigious wine estate has been handed down through five generations of the Gaja family. Fourth generation Angelo Gaja is the estate’s current owner. Gaja has 110 ha of vineyard holdings in Tuscany (Montalcino, Castagneto and Bolgheri) and Piedmont (Barbaresco and Barolo). Acquired in 1994 by the Gaja family, Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta is an estate in Brunello di Montalcino. The name refers to the Pieve or Parish Church of Saint Restituta located on the property. The 17.6 ha vineyard is located in the south-west subzone of the appellation on white, rocky soils, which over the years has proven to produce some of the region’s finest wines. A second vineyard of 11 ha was bought on the north-eastern sub-zone in 2006. Pieve Santa Restituta produces a classic, blended Brunello di Montalcino and two vineyard-designated wines, Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille and Brunello di Montalcino Rennina.
