VAJRA BAROLO RAVERA 2020
VAJRA BAROLO RAVERA 2020
2020 Barolo Ravera 94+VM
G.D. Vajra
Barolo, Piemonte
96 pts Wine Advocate
The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Ravera reveals wild forest berry, cherry, licorice root and sweet summer fruit. The effect is focused or chiseled thanks to animating acidity and pinpoint fruit flavors. Located in the village of Novello, Ravera benefits from open panoramas and cooler temperatures from the mountains. These factors make this cru one of the most promising in this era of climate change. This is a Barolo for the purists.
94+ pts Vinous
The 2020 Barolo Ravera is a gorgeous, aromatically exotic wine that is going to need time to be at its best. Orange peel, spice, menthol and kirsch all lift from the glass, conveying a good deal of ethereal Nebbiolo beauty before the tannins kick in. There's gorgeous weight and substance here, in the mid-weight style of the year. More than anything else, I admire the balance. - By Antonio Galloni on November 2023
Ravera Cru
Ravera is the most important single vineyard in Comune di Novello, located on the south-west quadrant of the Barolo area. This site has a very complex subsoil where marls of Tortonian origin mix with clays and sandstones of the Serravallian period. Vajra's parcels are located in the most southern amphitheater, between 320 and 340 meters. This is a terroir that delivers bright aromatics and unrestrained power with 2015 adding beautiful textures and richness. Ravera is usually picked right at the middle of the Nebbiolo harvest, usually in the second or third week of October. Grapes are sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. Vinification is made in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap. Barolo DOCG Ravera is aged for average of 26-34 months in large Slavonian casks prior to bottling.
There’s plenty to like in these new releases from the Vajra family. Starting with the 2020 Barolos, the wines are gracious and finely sketched, with the personality of each wine clearly defined. The Bricco delle Viole is especially sublime and well worth seeking out. As always, the Barolos offer a compelling mix of classicism and contemporary finesse. The entry-level offerings are a bit mixed this year, largely a reflection of the challenging 2022 harvest. Readers will find several new wines made from nearly extinct varieties that show plenty of intrigue and that are sure to enrich this range going forward.
- By Antonio Galloni on November 2023
