2014 Barolo Ravera
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Tasting notes
Much less floral than their Bricco delle Viole, and more muscular structure too. Potent and expressive, although there’s perhaps not quite as much depth of fruit as you’d expect. Enjoyable black olive bitterness on the finish. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
G D Vajra has a bit of the Ravera vineyard located just above Elvio Cogno. This estate used the fruit to make its Langhe Nebbiolo, but as the vines grew into their prime production years, G D Vajra decided to make a Barolo with the fruit instead, starting in 2010. The plot is only half a hectare in size and the vines range in age from 18 to 45 years old. The soils are rich in minerals and iron. The 2014 Barolo Ravera is indeed a fuller and more structured expression. The bouquet opens to dark fruit, iodine and mineral nuances. Ravera is a low-altitude vineyard from an estate that is specialized in high-altitude Nebbiolo farming. That added power is well suited to this thinner vintage.
Novello. Tasted blind. Surprisingly dark ruby for this vintage. Brooding richness on the nose. Plenty of sour cherry on the palate and firm, somewhat drying tannins. This is still very youthful, and unsettled. (WS)
A stark contrast to the Bricco delle Viole, Vajra's 2014 Barolo Ravera is a tannic, powerful wine. There is quite a bit of power and depth, but the tannins are also rustic and a touch rough around the edges. The 2014 is going to need time to settle down. It will be interesting to see if bottle age adds polish, but today, the Ravera is a brute.