The 2022 G.D. Vajra "Coste di Rose" Barolo provides a brilliant, texturally elegant contrast to the brooding, muscular structure of its sibling Ravera. Perched on a dramatic, steep slope descending toward Monforte d’Alba, Coste di Rose is heavily characterized by Arenaria di Diano sandstones mixed with silt. In the warm, dry 2022 vintage, these sandy soils gave the vines an ethereal, highly perfumed quality. The Vajra family handled this fruit with extreme care, utilizing a very long 47-day maceration (including a extended period of submerged cap) before aging the wine for 22 months in neutral 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks. In the glass, it pours a beautiful, translucent ruby-red. The nose is an absolute explosion of high-toned perfume, immediately leaping with fresh rose petals, Parma violets, and wild strawberries, seamlessly layered with notes of sour amarena cherry, mint tea, and a subtle hint of blood orange zest over a backdrop of sweet baking spices. On the palate, this is a model of grace, poise, and vertical alignment. Rather than overwhelming with aggressive power, it glides forward on a vibrant, energetic spine of acidity that gives the juicy red fruit immense lift. The tannins are remarkably fine-grained, precise, and silky, presenting a signature granular, chalky grip on the front of the mouth that never feels heavy. It tapers off into a long, mineral-driven finish marked by crushed limestone, savory herbs, and an echo of tart red berries.