• wa93+

Wine AdvocateThe 2009 Barbaresco is absolutely remarkable for the way it carersses the palate with endless layers of sweet red fruit. Will the 2009 shut down in bottle? Truth is, I don't know, but the wine is exceptionally beautiful and polished from the very first taste. Ripe, red berries, crushed flowers and deeply spiced notes are woven into an intricate fabric of indescribable class. I am not sure how Angelo Gaja and his team do it, but this is a super-impressive wine in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

• we93

Wine EnthusiastGaja's latest Barbaresco shows deep aromatic layers of ripe fruit, leather, black licorice, dried herb and savory tobacco. It is extremely velvety and smooth, with firm tannins and a richly extracted fruit finish.

• ws91

Wine SpectatorThe aromas are restrained for now, but the latent perfume is there. Locked up tightly on the palate, with dusty tannins asserting themselves on the finish. Could exude a sense of purity and complexity if given time. Features a long, spicy aftertaste. Best from 2015 through 2027.