GAJA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 2023
WHY BUY: A 99-pointer from the renowned Sori Tildin vineyard (only 2,900 bottles produced!) and a 98+-pointer from the equally revered Sori San Lorenzo site headline this roster of extraordinary single-vineyard Piedmont crus from the great GAJA. All the trademarks of this legendary Italian producer — precision, elegance, balance, length — they’re all here, and in glorious abundance.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Jeb Dunnuck assessed all six, and at the top of his list is Barbaresco. He gave the Sorì Tildìn 99 points, finding in it “a seductive quality ... that almost recalls a great Burgundy in its elegance and texture,” with tannins “sweet and refined." The Sorì San Lorenzo garnered a 98+ for its “structure and density" and the Barolo Sperss a 98 for the way it combines “power [and] remarkable finesse.”
OUR TASTING NOTES: Put the six side by side and what stands out is just how little they resemble one another. That speaks volumes about not just the distinctiveness of the Piedmont sites, but also of the winemaking. The Barbarescos are richly perfumed and textured, with rose petal and dried cherry leading the way, and finishes that aren’t just long, but memorable and finessed. The Barolos speak more assertively: tar, tobacco, and dark cherry at the outset, with tannins that dry your mouth the way strong tea does and keep things defined and structured. The Darmagi, with its strong notes of blackcurrant and cedar, seems to be channeling Bordeaux, without sacrificing its Langhe character. What all of the above share is an almost preternatural poise. Not one bottle feels rushed, or willed, and nothing here shows off. Winemaking at its most elegant and controlled.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: Piedmontese cooking is the call here, obviously, and the lustier, the better: a heaping plate of tajarin with butter and shaved truffle, a rich, wine-braised beef, a slow-cooked roast veal with herbs.
FUN FACT: In the Piedmontese dialect, Darmagi means “what a pity” or “what a shame” — a sardonic nod to the 1978 planting that went ahead against Angelo Gaja’s father’s wishes.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate to ensure your wines arrive with pristine provenance. Secure your bottles and cases today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2027. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, NY, NM, OK & TN. This offer will expire on Sunday, November 8th, 2026.