Gaja   Sori San Lorenzo

2001 Sori San Lorenzo

By Gaja

2001 Sorì San Lorenzo from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy

The luscious 2001 Sorì San Lorenzo from Gaja is a legendary vintage, demonstrating an exquisite complexity indicative of the remarkable terroir of Piedmont - a beacon of unparalleled excellence in Italy. This stellar expression of the Nebbiolo grape stands as a testament to the globally revered enchantment for fine wines from Italy.

 

Harmonization – the key to appeal

It is the masterly harmonization of elements that truly allows the 2001 Sorì San Lorenzo to shine, marking it as an ingenious investment opportunity for the discerning oenophile. The unmistakably powerful structure intertwines seamlessly with an enticingly intricate bouquet of dark cherries, ripe blackberries, traces of earthy tobacco, and accents of robust cocoa. It conveys a masterful balance of intensity and elegance that can only be attributed to Gaja's extraordinary prowess.

 

2001 - A year of character infused by climatic magnificence

The magical narrative of the 2001 growing season is told within each glass of this momentous vintage. A story shaped by a dramatic nature – a story that echoes impressively in this wine’s tempered power and its deftly woven aromatic tapestry. The moderate climatic conditions, flirting fleetingly with bouts of heat and rain, allowed for slow maturation of the grapes adding depth and character to this famed offering.

Such distinctive properties make this vintage not just a spectacular gastronomic pleasure but associate it unquestionably with accolades for being an outstanding investment-grade wine.

 

A beacon shining across decades

Though two decades have gracefully passed, the 2001 Sorì San Lorenzo still glimmers with youthful exuberance while boasting layers of evolving complexity. This is not only due to Nebbiolo’s inherent capacity for longevity but an eloquent testimonial of Gaja's steadfast dedication in consistently creating wines of unmatched caliber.

Decanting this masterpiece reveals an intricate sensory panorama, making it a worthy addition to the seasoned connoisseur’s portfolio. The persistent, and spell-binding journey of the 2001 Sorì San Lorenzo affirms, if affirmation were needed, that investing in fine wines from Italy does much more than just yield strong financial dividends.

Current market price

£3,920.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

245

Scores and tasting notes

96

The 2001 Sori San Lorenzo is the richest and deepest of these 2001s. It remains cool, inward and totally implosive. Dark fruit, leather, goudron and licorice are some of the notes that begin to emerge over time. The 2001 is dazzling, but it is also very much on the muscular side and needs time to soften. I imagine it will drink beautifully for another 20 years, and that is likely to be conservative in light of the glacial pace with which the San Lorenzo ages. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034. Angelo Gaja isn’t the talkative type too often these days. Most of the time I am greeted, left alone in a room to taste, and then greeted again before I leave. On this day, though, Gaja started talking about vintages, and in particular the misconception that wines from hot years don’t age. Gaja cited 1961, a warm year in Piedmont, and one of the most legendary at the time. The wines aged just fine, added Gaja. What struck me most, though, was how clear Gaja’s recollection was of events that transpired fifty years ago. I know only one other person in Piedmont who has a similarly sharp memory that goes that far back. What does that have to do with these 2001s? Not much, except that it seemed like an interesting anecdote to share. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 25 April 2012

Vintage performance