2020 Barolo Albe

The 2020 Barolo Albe is light-bodied, elegant and gracious. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and dried herbs are all nicely lifted. Bright acids and nervy tannins give the wine its shape and overall character. The Albe is meant to be an entry-level offering, but I find it often blossoms with a year or two in bottle. The Albe is not terribly complex in 2020, but it is a delight.

- Antonio Galloni (11/2023)

A ripe ruby hue, the 2020 Barolo Albe offers a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, fresh flowers, and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, it has a lot of elegance, with ripe and supple tannins and a bit of iron-rich earth. Drink 2024-2037.

- Audrey Frick (05/2024)

This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements. Best from 2028 through 2049. 7,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

- B.S.

You can't beat this value. The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Albe is buttoned up with fresh primary fruit, and the wine does not have that hint of over-ripeness that is found across this vintage. The fruit is dark and savory, and there is a big mineral component to match, but the bouquet is nicely redolent of dark currant, plum, granite and a raspy dry note that brings crushed shale to mind. The tannins are quite impactful, and they give this wine extra runway for moderate bottle aging.

- Monica Larner (04/2024)