2004 Barbaresco DOCG
By Gaja
2004 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
A bewitching exemplification of a standout vintage, the 2004 Barbaresco DOCG from Gaja hails from the heartland of fine Italian wines. It superbly captures the delicate equilibrium that came from the gratifying climatic conditions of that year.
An Astute Investment in an Exceptional Vintage
Gaja, as a producer of some of Italy's most esteemed wines for centuries, and widely renowned for their sublime expressions of Nebbiolo, has never failed their devotees. The 2004 vintage witnessed relatively mild weather tapering into a gentle autumn allowing for the perfect fruit maturity. This resulted in an exceptionally balanced Barbaresco.
The 2004 Barbaresco is exquisitely succulent, dancing with vibrant crimson currents, threaded with leathery intricacies. An engaging underlayer of tar and roses attest to its grounding in this pivotal northern Italian region.
Perfect Harmony, a Testament to 2004
Retrospective analysis of this vintage reveals an impressive potential for aging, solidifying its appeal within savvy circles of wine investors. The climatic conditions throughout 2004 were near on ideal in Piedmont, allowing for gradual maturation and an accumulation of complex fruit flavours and suave tannins.
Wrapping your senses around this fine specimen from Italy takes you back to the beloved terroir of Piedmont. The fusion of earthy tones melting into vibrant cherry and dark berry exhibits the masterful artistry woven by Gaja.
The Value Manifested over Time
With each passing year, this extraordinary 2004 Barbaresco DOCG only refines its allure, transcending beyond the realms of a mere consumable to an enjoyable investment. Every sip is a blend of tradition, passion, and prowess, reminiscent of Gaja's commitment to producing remarkable wines and valuable assets for the ardent wine investor.
To appreciate 2004 Barbaresco from Gaja is to revel in the chronicles of a flourishing vintage and embrace an investment that sings songs of illustrious returns.
Market price (USD)
$2,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
145.38
Scores and tasting notes
The 2004 Barbaresco reveals fresh, perfumed aromatics that lead to layers of crushed flowers, spices and sweet raspberries. This is a wine of rare class, elegance and pure breed. It offers outstanding length and silky, elegant tannins to round out the inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024. Angelo Gaja and long-time oenologist Guido Rivella produced some of the most monumental wines of their long, storied partnership in 2004. Although I admire Gaja’s wines, especially for their consistency, I rarely find them this emotionally moving and utterly profound. The stable weather and cool, tempering evenings towards the end of the growing season allowed Gaja and Rivella to harvest fairly late in 2004. I remember passing by Gaja’s Barbaresco vineyards in October of that year and seeing fruit still waiting to be picked long after most producers had already brought the fruit in. Gaja’s 2004s from Barbaresco are especially breathtaking for their clarity and precision. The wines also seem less internationally-styled than in the past. Readers fortunate enough to possess the means to acquire these wines won’t want to miss them! The 2003s from the Barolo zones of La Morra and Serralunga are also strong efforts considering the vintage. “Historically in Piedmont there has been an inverse relationship between quality and quantity. Great vintages like 1961 and 1989 were characterized by low yields,” says Gaja. “2004 is one of those rare vintages like 1964 and 1990 where quality is high even though yields were generous as well. I think 2004 is a very elegant vintage. It is much easier to achieve opulence in the wines, but finesse is always much more elusive.” Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2007