2006 - Barbaresco, Gaja

The 2006 Barbaresco reveals terrific concentration, depth and purity. This is a remarkably soft, harmonious Barbaresco from Angelo Gaja with pretty notes of raspberries, crushed flowers and spices. The wine turns more powerful in the glass, as it gains additional richness, volume and depth, all of which carry through to the polished finish. The wine’s balance is impeccable, and this is easily is one the more harmonious, complete wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Angelo Gaja's 2006s from Barbaresco are lovely, although they require a bit of aeration to find their focus. Tthe 2006 Barbaresco in particular is quite an achievement in this challenging vintage. As always Gaja blends in a small percentage of Barbera for his single-vineyard Langhe wines. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

Good medium red. Captivating aromas of raspberry, rose petal and truffle. Quite powerful for Gaja's basic Barbaresco, with a distinctly medicinal character dominating today. Very deep wine, but this appears to be shutting down. Finishes with a strong impression of tannins. This will require patience.

Slightly pinkish mid garnet, even a slight (and early?) orange tinge. Gentle, sweet and perfumed. Red fruit, just a touch of leather. Certainly has developed notes. Some tea and floral notes. Delicate and enchanting. Sweet cherry, tobacco leaf.  So complex and difficult to describe. After all that fragrance, the density  and concentration is a surprise. Much more youthful on the palate. Really dense, fine but grainy tannins. Mouthwatering finish and long dry aftertaste. Oak very well hidden and great fresh kick on the finish. An hour later and after a bite of bread and prosciutto: sweet red fruit. Surprisingly soft and luscious. Alcohol well hidden. (JH)