2004 Sperss
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Sperss is one of the most finessed wines I have tasted from Angelo Gaja's property in Serralunga. The darkness and gravitas of Serralunga are tempered by the supreme elegance of the year. Dark red and black cherries, smoke, tobacco, menthol and licorice flow through on the deep, resonant finish. This is another powerhouse wine that has been given an extra level of refinement in 2004.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Gaja's 2004 Langhe Sperss is an infant. Still incredibly primary, it exudes the essence of Serralunga black fruits, smoke and tar. The new oak is still very evident here and the wine seems to be at a somewhat awkward phase of its development. Still, it offers stunning concentration as well as length, with soft, caressing tannins that frame the fruit all the way to the long finish. This wine is in need of serious bottle age and may very well merit a higher score once it emerges from what appears to be a temporary period of dormancy.
Gaja’s 2004 Langhe Sperss is an infant. Still incredibly primary, it exudes the essence of Serralunga black fruits, smoke and tar. The new oak is still very evident here and the wine seems to be at an awkward phase of its development. Still, it offers stunning concentration as well as length, with soft, caressing tannins that frame the fruit all the way to the long finish. This wine is in need of serious bottle age and may very well merit a higher score once it emerges from its temporary period of dormancy. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Red-ruby. Very wild aromas of red and black fruits, spices, smoked meat and nutty oak, with a suggestion of fruit syrup. Creamy-sweet and very ripe but much less open to inspection than the Conteisa; with its chocolatey ripeness this comes across as a bit undifferentiated today. In a distinctly backward Serralunga style-in direct contrast to the Conteisa, which is from the Cerequio vineyard in La Morra. Finishes quite long, with a boatload of tannins and lingering notes of plum and chocolate. Will this remain fresh when the tannins have been absorbed?
About the producer
Gaja has been at the forefront of the Piedmont wine scene for many years and is Barbaresco’s most decorated producer. The winery has received a record number of Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards – the highest accolade from Italy’s leading wine publication.