$37.99 on 6+ bottles (code: 6saves2)

95 pts Wine Advocate
Do you have a favorite pair of jeans or a favorite dress that you keep in your closet for all occasions? That’s the equivalent of this wine. The G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Albe is an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there. The bouquet focuses on dark berry, pressed flower and crushed stone. It offers good sharpness over broad lines. The mouthfeel is medium-plus in texture and it closes with silky, accessible tannins. Fruit comes from three cru sites: Coste di Vergne, Fossati and La Volta.

93 pts Decanter
This multi-MGA Barolo is assembled from the estates younger vines, though the average age is a respectably mature 30 years. Winemaker Giuseppe Vaira calls it a blend with immediate drinkability. Indeed, it is irresistible now with its becoming and animated scents of pepper-inflected strawberry, dried violet and crushed allspice. The palate is silky and refined, with crunchy red fruit clarity. Layered tannins support it without overtaking very seamlessly knit. It promises to divulge even more with just a bit more time in the bottle.

Albe has to rank as the greatest value in Barolo under $40. A wine you can age or drink now, this is a captivating expression of accessibly priced great Barolo!

The Story of Albe
A tribute to the masters of our tradition (blending of sites), Albe is the sum of high elevation estate vineyards. They lay on different slopes, thus our chance to see three sunrises (Albe) every day. Albe is a blend of wonderful Barolo vineyards with exposures that range from south-south-east to south-west, at high elevation between 380 and 480m above sea level.

Traditionally made:
The high-elevation vineyards for Barolo Albe are usually picked in the second half of Nebbiolo harvest. Vinification is made in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap. Maceration lasts 25 days on average. Malolactic in held in stainless steel, the following spring. Albe rests between 26 and 32 months, on average, in large Slavonian oak casks of 40, 50 and 75hL. The wine is usually raked once a year. Blending is decided in the spring prior to bottling.