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Hi everyone –

It’s cold. It’s damp. Fall and winter are at the doorstep. It’s Barolo season!

This is the third time we’ve done an offer like this, featuring G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana. They are personal favorites of mine, and their story is amazing, as you’ll read below.

I realize an offer like this can be overwhelming … too many vintages, too many choices- what to do? Let me break it down a bit for you.

1. Read about the two producers and their intertwined story.
   
2. Read about the vintages and note what excites you. Are you looking for near-term drinking, some cellar aging, or something to bequeath to your grandchildren? Everything you could want is here.
   
3. Read about the single vineyards and their styles.
   
4. Make your picks.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong here. Throw a dart and you’ll hit a legendary, incredible, memorable, and special wine.

And it’s an extremely rare opportunity to procure verticals (multiple vintages) or horizontals (multiple wines from the same producer, same vintage).

About G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana

These are two of my favorite Barolo labels, both produced by Giuseppe Vajra. They are classic wines, showing all the personality you expect from top-level Barolos: age-worthiness, detail, finesse, power, dried fruits, leather, licorice, graphite, and so much more. Each of these wines is a top-level Barolo that will make you happy.

G.D. Vajra is a young winery in its second generation. In 1968, young Aldo Viara (the family was spelling their name with an “i” at the time) was a rebellious young man in Torino. He joined the counterculture movement and the protests that were happening worldwide at the time. His parents wanted him to have no part of “the scene,” so they sent him to his Grandparents’ farm in Barolo for a summer of work. He was 15 years old.

Piedmont, in general, and Barolo, in particular, was a very poor area in 1968. The post-WWII economy was still a wreck, and families were abandoning farms because they lacked income (sad but true).

Young Aldo worked in the vineyards, far from the protests in Torino and his friends.

But during that summer, something magical happened. He fell in love with the land, the vines, the world of Barolo, and the wines. Within a few years, he was working on his agricultural degree and soon took over the estate—as a teenager!

His counterculture spirit brought new ideas to this old land, most notably an insistence on organic farming. G.D. Vajra was the first to embrace organic farming in the region, and soon this hippie teenager was getting attention from locals (they thought he was crazy).

As the demand for Barolo started to grow exponentially in the 1980s and 1990s, Aldo was able to continue experimenting, including developing his own selections of vine material, planting ‘lesser’ grapes such as Fresia on prime Barolo property, and even being the first to plant Riesling in the area (their Riesling is off the hook good if you can find it).

Now, Aldo and his wife Milena’s three children—Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro—are taking over the company and maintaining the family tradition.

In 2008, Aldo approached Luigi Baunada about purchasing his business and property. Luigi was getting older and had no heirs. Aldo loved the property and the traditions Luigi had, and wanted to preserve it… label and everything. Aldo Vajra became the custodian of the Baunada legacy, and the wines are still made from the old Baunada vineyards and at the Luigi Baunada winemaking facility.

This “winemaking facility” on the Baunada estate is one of the smallest in Barolo. It’s literally a small room in the house, with a couple of tanks and a few large barrels. Only three lightbulbs illuminate the room. The Luigi Baudana label comes entirely from 2.6ha of vineyards, with a total production of under 800 cases.

The opportunity: A range of vineyards, a range of vintages.

We have lots of wines here! Don’t worry – I’ll step you through them.
(Note: the photo was from an earlier offer; the Rosé is no longer available.)

Before I get into vintage details, let me share my opinion regarding vintages. This is controversial, and I get a lot of shit from parts of the wine community because of this, but I’m holding to it.

In top-level wine regions such as Barolo, today there is rarely such a thing as a “good” vintage vs. a “bad” vintage. It’s just a vintage with its own personality, and it depends on whether it fits an individual’s taste. And if you love wine, you WANT the vintage to show in the glass.

Here’s a story …

In 1997, Barolo had an incredibly hot vintage resulting in ripe fruit, higher sugars, more alcohol, and big flavors. The locals, especially the traditionalists, didn’t like it. But lo and behold, Wine Spectator gave that vintage 100 points, called it perfect, and the vintage of the century. It sold like hotcakes in the USA.

1998 came along, and it was much cooler. Longer hang times. Less ripening. Lower alcohol levels. Wine Spectator rated the vintage quite low. But you know who loved it? The old-timers in Piedmont, who said it was a return to what a great Barolo vintage is all about.

And guess which vintage aged better? To this day, 1998 (as well as 1996) Barolos are some of my favorites in my cellar.

So look to each vintage for its own personality, which should be reflected in the wine, rather than asking “which is better” because better is in the eye of the beholder.

Let’s break down the vintage details for you.

2015

A warm, generous vintage that produced ripe, powerful Barolos with plenty of fruit and relatively polished tannins. A snowy winter and wet spring gave the vines enough water to withstand a very hot July, while cooler conditions and well-timed rain later in the season let Nebbiolo finish ripening without losing its freshness.

The great appeal of 2015 is pleasure. These are broad, expressive wines with dark fruit, spice, warmth, and enough structure to age—but they generally don’t have the tension or precision of 2016. Many are now entering a beautiful drinking window, particularly from producers who avoided excessive ripeness and extraction.

If 2016 is the vintage for the cellar, 2015 may be the vintage to put on the dinner table. It’s not the most classically proportioned Barolo vintage, but the best wines can be absolutely delicious.

2017

The weather turned up the volume in 2017. A damaging spring frost reduced the crop, followed by an extremely hot, dry summer and an unusually early harvest. The danger was obvious: too much sugar, too little acidity, and tannins that had not completely caught up with the fruit. Some wines show exactly those problems, so this is not a vintage to buy indiscriminately.

But Nebbiolo is a remarkably stubborn grape, and the best producers handled the heat much better than expected. Their wines are concentrated and muscular, with ripe red and dark fruit, spice, warmth, and tannins that are generally more approachable than those of 2016. The best examples still have freshness and unmistakable Barolo character, even if they are more about power and generosity than delicacy.

Think of 2017 as a producer-and-vineyard vintage. Cooler sites, higher elevations, and thoughtful farming made a tremendous difference. These wines will not have the consistency or longevity of 2016, but the good ones are flavorful, expressive, and already beginning to drink well. If you enjoy a richer, more dramatic style of Barolo, there is plenty to love here.

2018

Early spring rains and high humidity set the stage for mildew problems, but a warm growing season kicked in and led to an excellent harvest. Many producers harvested in October, a throwback to the old days, with perfectly ripe fruit and great acids from the cool nights. The resulting wines are very age-worthy, with a structure similar to the legendary 1996 vintage. 2018 was a bountiful year, with yields back to normal after the short 2017 production.

2019

A classic, top-quality, “return to the old style” vintage. From Wine Searcher: “Now comes 2019, a year that was praised as a triumph almost immediately after the grapes were harvested; while early predictions are sometimes not entirely accurate, it is evident that the 2019 Barolos are indeed something special, with producers describing the vintage in lofty, even superior terms. From the classic Barolos blended from several sites to the commune wines, and all the way up to the greatest cru, Barolo 2019 will clearly be labeled as a remarkable year.”

I’m SUPER EXCITED about the 2019’s.

2020

What’s beautiful about 2020 is its approachability. It’s a vintage of fine tannins, elegant style, and ready-to-drink wines. Don’t be fooled… this is not an ‘off’ vintage, as some would have you believe. I’ve had plenty of 2020s that have blown me away in their detail and precision, showcasing a fantastic ability to show off at an early age. I liken it to the musical prodigies you hear on Minnesota Public Radio. “At 10 years old, she was playing with the Boston Symphony…” From Decanter: “The 2020 growing season in Barolo was hot, but tempered by occurrences of rain and a beneficial lack of heat spikes. Many good wines have been made – as the high scores show – but take heed if you’re looking for longer-term cellaring options.”

In other words, this is a great vintage to buy and enjoy while your 2019’s are hanging out in the cellar. Compared to 2019, I’m equally excited about the 2020’s but for different reasons. This is why this offer is so much fun.

2021

The early verdict on 2021 is extremely exciting. Winter snow replenished the soils, although spring frost reduced the crop in some vineyards. The remainder of the season was mostly warm and dry, but without the relentless heat and drought that would define 2022. Cool nights, a beautiful September, and an October harvest gave Nebbiolo the time it needed to retain fragrance and acidity while developing completely ripe tannins.

The resulting wines combine some of the best qualities of 2016 and 2019: classic structure, beautiful aromatics, depth, freshness, and a pronounced sense of place. Many are more immediately expressive than the formidable 2016s, but they still possess the backbone for serious aging.

I would buy 2021 confidently. Is it too early to declare it one of the great vintages? Maybe—but only because Barolo demands patience and humility. The raw materials are certainly there. These wines have the energy, detail, and balance that separate a very good vintage from a potentially great one.

2022

Let’s be honest: 2022 was a brutal growing season. Severe drought, very little winter snow, and relentless summer heat stressed the vines and dramatically reduced yields. Some vines shut down, ripening was uneven, and the harvest came unusually early. This is not a vintage to buy blindly simply because the word Barolo appears on the label.

And yet, Nebbiolo proved remarkably resilient. Careful producers who protected their fruit, avoided overcropping, and resisted the temptation to extract too much have made surprisingly aromatic and balanced wines. The better examples offer ripe red fruit, flowers, spice, supple tannins, and an openness that makes them appealing much earlier than the 2021s. Cooler, higher-elevation vineyards generally had an advantage, although producer skill matters enormously.

Think of 2022 as another producer vintage rather than a universally great vintage. The best wines should deliver plenty of pleasure and evolve nicely over the next decade or so, but I would not expect the overall longevity, consistency, or classical structure of 2016, 2019, or 2021.

Buy the right names, enjoy their generosity, and don’t feel guilty about opening them while the more monumental vintages sleep in the cellar.

The Barolos of Luigi Baunada

This offer includes three wines (Baudana, Cerretta, and Serralunga). Each has a distinctive personality, and each is incredible. These are tiny production wines from the smallest cellar in all of Barolo.

Luigi Baudana, Baudana Vineyard

This is incredibly special stuff, and if there is anything to jump on in this offer, it’s this wine.

From VineyardRoad.com:

Baudana — a hidden gem — is really known only among Barolo aficionados. Just three single-vineyard bottlings are made from this cru, and Luigi Baudana may well be the only one exported to the United States. Baudana is the name of the vineyard, of the village, and of Luigi and Fiorina’s family. Their roots run deep, and the family’s legacy is important to this unique place.

https://vineyardroad.net/producers/luigi-baudana/

2019 Baudana — 96 points Jeb Dunnik: “The 2019 Barolo Baudana is flush with ripe red and black cherry, pressed flowers, and vibrant purity and depth. It is potent with blood orange, and it has a rich, firm structure that is ripe with turned earth, crushed rocks, and saline. It is a fully structured red with a long finish. Drink 2026 and over the following two or more decades.”

Luigi Baunada, Cerretta Vineyard

Cerretta is a tiny little hamlet on the way to the town of Serralunga and is also the name of a coveted vineyard parcel where the Luigi Baunada Cerretta is produced from under one acre of vines.

Yes, under one acre. In other words, this is as rare as you can find. Only a small amount of cases came to the United States. To be able to tap into a vertical of Cerretta is unheard of.

The 2020 Luigi Baunada Cerretta earned 96 points from Jeb Dunnik, and 95 points from Wine Spectator.

2020 Cerretta — 95 points Wine Spectator: “A beam of pure cherry leads off, along with strawberry, licorice, tar and menthol flavors. Supple yet firm, with terrific balance and a long, tightly wound finish, revealing fruit, mineral and wild scrub notes. This is all about the texture. Best from 2027 through 2045.”

Luigi Baunada “Serralunga” Barolo

Serralunga is one of my favorite towns and regions within Barolo. It’s a tiny little hamlet with charming old streets, a tall ancient tower, and amazing views in every direction.

It’s known for well-structured wines, thanks to the area’s particular soils, which produce firm tannins and aging potential.

These are powerful wines, wines of place, that really show off the top quality of the Barolos of Serralunga.

The Luigi Baudana Barolo Serralunga is one of the most consistent Barolos out there and a relative bargain in the world of Barolo. Expect textbook Barolo aromas of rose petals, graphite, dried red fruits, and worn leather.

Again, a rare opportunity to have both the 2019 and 2020 vintages in your wine rack.

2019 Serralunga — 94 points Wine Enthusiast: “Aromas of mixed berry fruits, both fresh and preserved, along with notes of orange citrus, create an elegant and pure expression on the palate. The wine achieves a beautiful balance between fruit and savory elements with notes of cherry, rosebud, bay leaf and allspice. Super pretty and polished tannins make it enjoyable now–2040.”

2020 Serralunga — 94 points Wine Enthusiast: “This Barolo exudes an alluring and enigmatic aroma highlighted by black cherry and warmed black currants accompanied by notes of black pepper, licorice root, anise, and fennel. The wine’s nose is a captivating kaleidoscope, with fruit, herbs and earthy notes each taking their turn with every swirl of the glass. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and rich, yet structured, with notes of plum and black raspberry enveloped by firm tannins and a pronounced earthy quality that begs to be paired with roasted meats, mushrooms, or umami-focused dishes. This wine is a true embodiment of the powerful and age-worthy Barolo wines that have made Serralunga d’Alba famous. Drink Now – 2045”

The Barolos of G.D. VAJRA

G.D. Vajra “Ravera” Barolo

“The Barolo Vineyard that suddenly everyone is clamoring for.” – Opening a Bottle. See article here: https://www.openingabottle.com/a-vineyards-story-barolos-ravera/

This vineyard, along with the Bricco della Viole mentioned below, are the future of Barolo. They are vineyards that traditionally have made “austere” wines, meaning with less ripeness that the famed direct-south facing crus. As Barolo has been warming up, these vineyards that are a bit out of the heat and direct sunlight are making some of the most compelling wines in the area.

Learn more here: https://barolowineclub.com/italian-wine-tips/ravera-barolo-top-cru

2018 Ravera — 94 points Wine Advocate: “Seamlessly stitched together, the G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Ravera reveals tight layering and smooth texture. Fruit comes from an amphitheater of vines with Tortoniana epoch sandstone clay that is typical of parts of Barolo and Novello. What stands out here is the mineral character of the wine. It frames a dark core of plum, dark cherry and soft spice”

2020 Ravera — 97 points Wine Enthusiast: “The Ravera cru, one of the estate’s prized holdings, is known for its calcareous soil and old vines that contribute to the wine’s depth and ageability. This Barolo showcases crushed raspberries and red currants intertwined with wild thyme and fresh laurel. Subtle notes of cinchona bark, whole cinnamon, and fresh porcini add complexity. On the palate, warmed mixed berry jam is dusted with crushed cloves, pepper, and earthy hints of truffle and underbrush. Fine and elegant tannins provide structure, while the well-balanced warmth envelops the senses like a comforting hug. Drink Now – 2045”

G.D. Vajra “Bricco della Viole” Barolo

This is one of Barolo’s crown jewels.

It’s the highest-elevation vineyard in the area, and its distinctive microclimate sets it head and shoulders above other wines (pun intended).

From the producer’s website:

Among the historical vineyards of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is the highest and the closest to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 meters above the sea level, on the Western ridge of the village. Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates by the flowers that here blossom early due to the perfect south exposure. Up above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset every day. Thanks to its vines dating back to 1949, a dramatic diuturnal temperature range and this pure light, Bricco delle Viole generates a sophisticated and profound Barolo of bright aromatics, chiselled tannins and subtle minerality.

http://www.gdvajra.it/uploads/public/874_fs-bobv14-en.pdf

Typical descriptors of Vajra’s Bricco delle Viole include elegant, detailed, perfumed, and polished. This vineyard is far from Serralunga, which we discussed with the Baudana wines, and thus brings more of Barolo’s elegant side into the equation. Those that love Burgundy will love this wine.

Buying advice

This is exactly the kind of offer we love to present. A deep dive into the importer’s warehouse, finding gems that are usually unavailable.

Barolo prices are going nowhere but up. These discounted prices on these gems, and the range of vintages, represent a special moment. Take advantage of it.

Inventory is extremely limited.

More buying advice

Luigi Baudana wines will be fuller-bodied and bigger than the G.D. Vajra.

The G.D. Vajra wines will be more elegant and detailed.

All will age exceptionally well, especially those from 2019.

The 2020’s are showing incredibly well right now, and will be awesome for 10-15 years to come. It’s a special and distinct vintage.

Each of these wines speaks to what Barolo is best known for: distinctive, characteristic aromas; elegance with amazing power; and captivating details that can only develop with time. There is nothing quite as grand as Barolo!

If you only buy one, two, or three bottles

If you buy one bottle, buy a Baudana Serralunga.

If you buy two bottles, add a G.D. Vajra Ravera.

If you buy three bottles, add a Baudana.

If you want to go big or go home, take advantage of this moment to get a vertical of any of the wines. Then set up a night to invite good friends over for Minnesota pot roast or tater tot hot dish and have a night that you’ll never forget.

Happy shopping.

Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education

This offer has closed. Thank you for your interest.

Offer and special pricing are available while inventory lasts