2021 Gaja "Darmagi" Langhe Rosso

This wine rocked my world. The Gaja 2021 Langhe Darmagi is Cabernet Sauvignon from 3.5 hectares of vines planted in 1978. The first vintage made was 1982. Despite the ongoing battle with Esca disease, this is definitely one of the best, if not THE best, vintage made. "It's a Cabernet that speaks in the Piedmontese dialect," says Rossana Gaja. Her family has long experience with this grape both in Piedmont and in Bolgheri, Tuscany, where it is featured at the family's Ca' Marcanda estate. I love the luscious, compact richness of the wine that feels virtually seamless to the senses. There is generous black fruit with smoke, ash and spice over an elegant full-bodied texture and chalky tannins. (ML)