2016 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco 750 ml

Sori San Lorenzo, named for the patron saint of Alba, might be the most brooding and powerful of Gaja's single-vineyard Barbarescos. It's a regal red wine, always packed with notes of espresso, licorice, and spice—and the 2016 will be a centerpiece of any collection.

Vinous said the 2016 Sori San Lorenzo "explodes on the finish, with an array of aromas, flavors and textures that will leave readers weak at the knees". The substantial body and tannin of the wine ensures it will last years in the cellar, developing gorgeous flavors, textures, and aromas as it goes.

In 1961, after earning a degree in enology, a young Angelo Gaja began working in his family’s winery, picking up where his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left off. 

But Gaja had other plans. He would revolutionize winemaking in Barbaresco, introducing French concepts including the use of barrique, hybrid bottle formats, longer corks, and even clonal selection in the vineyard. When it was all said and done, Gaja had emerged as “the undisputed king of Barbaresco.”

But the intrepid Gaja was not content to simply follow in their footsteps. He would revolutionize winemaking in Barbaresco, introducing French concepts including the use of barrique, hybrid bottle formats, longer corks, and even clonal selection in the vineyard. These techniques catapulted the region to Burgundian heights, and when it was all said and done, Gaja had emerged as “the undisputed king of Barbaresco.”

Few bottles are worthy of royalty. This one is.