2011 Darmagi
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Tasting notes
From a warmer vintage, the 2011 Darmagi saw a slightly different elevage, spending two years in 20% new oak barrels. It’s a more evolved, upfront, perfumed wine and boasts lots of red and black currant fruits, smoked herbs, and dried earth aromas and flavors. Already drinking nicely, with chewy tannin, it lacks the elegance and purity found in the 2010 but makes up for it with sheer exuberance and character. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Darmagi is quite soft and lifted in this vintage. Espresso, grilled herbs, cedar, licorice, dark cherries and plums all meld together in the glass. Supple and silky, the 2011 will drink well early, but also has enough balance to drink well for a number of years. Overall, the 2011 Darmagi is a very pretty and finessed wine that shows what is beginning to emerge as a fresher, more vibrant style at Gaja. There is a lot to like in this subtle, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon from the Gaja family.
A pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 Darmagi delivers loads of varietal character with tangy aromas of wild sage and rosemary oil followed by extra dark color and saturation. There’s a deep sense of richness here that will carry this elegant wine forward throughout the years. Black cherry and chocolate fill the rear. Drink: 2017-2035. I have some happy news to report from the exciting world of Angelo Gaja. The estate that was notoriously difficult (if not impossible) to visit for those outside the wine trade is now opening its doors to the public. There is a steep entrance fee, but the scheme makes perfect sense in my option. Any wine lover can make an appointment to tour the estate and sample wine for up to 300 euros a person. The money must be paid to charity as none of the proceeds go to Gaja. If you have a favorite non-profit organization, make a donation in that amount. Once you send receipt of payment to Gaja’s tasting room staff, your visit will be granted. It sounds like a fair exchange to me. Importer: Terlato Wines International, www.terlatowines.com
A pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 Darmagi delivers loads of varietal character with tangy aromas of wild sage and rosemary oil followed by extra dark color and saturation. There’s a deep sense of richness here that will carry this elegant wine forward throughout the years. Black cherry and chocolate fill the rear. Drink: 2017-2035. Jun 2014, www.robertparker.com
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.