2019 Gavi dei Gavi Black Label

Full bottle 1,264 g. 100% Cortese. 2019 was a warm year. According to the importer, ‘A dry start into the season was later followed by a good amount of spring rainfall and a hot summer with regular rainfall. September was a very balanced month that allowed full phenolic ripening, resulting in perfectly ripe grapes with great intensity and concentration. A great vintage for ageing.’ Spontaneous fermentation with long lees ageing. Still very pale but with more layers of aroma and flavour than the 2024 black label just tasted, showing that this wine certainly can improve with time in the bottle. There’s still all the Cortese notes of citrus, almonds and herbs but now also a light cedary/linseed quality and a delicate toasty aroma even without any oak influence. Attractive and subtle toasty, cedary flavours on the palate, too, and an impression that this is going to continue to age for some years. Lovely balance between freshness and rounded, creamy texture. Just getting into its stride. Much more interesting than the very youthful 2024 black label, with a long and satisfying finish. (JH)