2021 G.D. Vajra "Viola delle Viole" Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Producer: G.D. Vajra  Region: Alba, Piedmont, Italy Varietal: Barbera Year: 2021   Wine Advocate, 93 Points  "The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Viola delle Viole opens to an inky almost impenetrable appearance. The bouquet opens to robust aromas of blackberry jam and cherry preserves. You feel the heat and richness of the vintage, and there's no way around it. The 2017 growing season produced very concentrated fruit with smaller berry size due to heat and drought. In effect, you get a super-sized Barbera that ups the ante in terms of extraction and intensity. There is a point of almost-sweetness on the close followed by good acidity. A pairing with marinated or spicy barbecued meat might work best."  Vinous, 93 Points  "The 2017 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is plush, racy and flat-out delicious. Raspberry jam, cinnamon, dried flowers, sweet tobacco and cedar all flesh out in a forward, plush Barbera that will drink well right out the gate. The Superiore always needs a few ye