Gaja   Sori Tildin

2008 Sori Tildin

By Gaja

2008 Sorì Tildìn from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy

Presiding over the sweeping hills of Piedmont, nestled amidst the vine-breathing landscape of Barbaresco, finds one of Italy's most esteemed and progressive winemakers, Gaja. The 2008 Sorì Tildìn from Gaja stands as a fragrant testament to defining moments in the eponymous region's viticultural history.

 

Intrinsic flavours from an expressive vintage

A quintessential signifier of Gaja's pursuit of winemaking perfection is their remarkably individual handcrafted interpretation of Nebbiolo grape. Add to this the singular climatic conditions permeating the resilient 2008 vintage; dramatic spring frosts transitioning into optimal late summer ripening warmth. It yields a wine that speaks with fortitude.

Lured by a beguiling nose that displays aromatic notes of crushed roses, wild blackberries, and a hint of licorice evolves into a libretto of tantalising interplays on the palate. The 2008 Sorì Tildìn elegantly combines robustness and delicate balance. Harmonious tannins propose a symphony upon the tongue— orchestral notes of spiced red fruit, leather and tobacco culminating with an echoing climax.

 

2008 Sorì Tildìn: investing in liquid Italian artistry

Gaja never fails to impress; its attention to the idiosyncrasies of each vintage alongside their penchant for experimenting with traditional Italian wine-making philosophies carry widespread appeal. Owning a bottle of the 2008 Sorì Tildìn isn't merely possessing another meticulous creation by this monumental producer—it’s signing your name in ink onto a vibrant thread in the fabric of Italy's fine wines tapestry.

For wine investors casting their gaze upon the rolling vineyards of Nebbiolo, partaking in the 2008 vintage of Sorì Tildìn hospitality promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Piedmont's viticulture labyrinth. This luminary from Gaja has garnered profound respect deserving of its place in any discerning portfolio.

The annals of Italian winemaking are illuminated by tales of unprecedented quality, sub-region character and timeless endurance – all encapsulated within each sip of the 2008 Sorì Tildìn. If investing endows you a privileged ticket to Italy’s finest oenological theatre, then Gaja rightfully enjoys centre stage, clutching the esteemed role as both performer and playwright.

Current market price

£2,690.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

168.13

Scores and tasting notes

96

The 2008 Sori Tildin is impressive. I confess I wasn’t quite prepared for the assault of fruit and tannins here. Sori Tildin is so often a graceful, elegant wine, but that is not the case in 2008. That’s not to say elegance is missing, but this is a big, big wine with tons of intensity and richness, all woven together beautifully. It’s tough to find a comparison with a previous vintage, as this is a singular Tildin. The flavors are familiar if a touch on the dark side, but the structure is closer than that of Sori San Lorenzo. Flowers, tar, leather and licorice wrap around the palate. This is a fabulous showing and a great wine in the making. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. This is a stunning set of wines from Angelo Gaja and his team in Barbaresco. Those who think 2008 is a truly great year for Nebbiolo must have tasted these wines. In a vintage that is inconsistent across the villages of Barbaresco, Gaja has produced not one but four stellar wines. As fabulous as these wines are, they aren’t especially true to type, as I explain in these notes. The 2008s I tasted in the US showed far better than the bottles I tasted in Barbaresco during the summer. Perhaps the onset of the cool fall weather gave these wines a little more spine than they had during the sweltering heat of August. Readers who want to learn more about the 2011 harvest at Gaja may want to take a look at my video interview with Gaia Gaja and vineyard manager Giorgio Culasso. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2011

Vintage performance