The 2022 G.D. Vajra "Albe" Barolo is a beautifully precise, early-accessible blend that marks the historic 50th vintage of this cuvée. Crafted from high-elevation vineyards across the commune of Barolo, the hand-harvested fruit underwent a gentle 25-day maceration before aging for over two years in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks. In the glass, it shows a bright garnet red color with a lively core. The nose is highly expressive and classic, opening with crushed rose petals, sweet red cherry, and cranberry, underlaid by fragrant notes of orange peel, cedar, and pipe tobacco. On the palate, the hot 2022 vintage is reined in by Vajra's trademark freshness. It is medium-bodied, bright, and energetic, pairing a crunchy red fruit mid-palate with supple, fine-grained tannins and a lift of balsamic tension on the finish.