Staff Notes:

“The 2011 Costa Russi delivers youthfulness and brightness with bold cherry fruit flavors, cassis, spice and mild cola. The wine excels in in the mouth where it shows a great degree of roundness and suppleness. Costa Russi is Nebbiolo with a tiny addition of Barbera.” Wine Advocate 94 Points

“Round, supple and succulent, the 2011 Costa Russi is laced with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather. The classic Costa Russi personality comes through in a soft, gracious wine with tons of near and medium-term appeal. The Costa Russi captures an attractive middle ground between the ripe, pliant style of the year and the medium bodied grace of Nebbiolo. I expect the 2011 will offer a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure. Although Costa Russi is often the most precocious of Gaja's single-vineyard wines, it is the last site to be picked.” Vinous 94 Points

“Surprisingly bright for the vintage and displaying Gaja's trademark elegance, this offers aromas of blue flower, perfumed berry, cake spices and a whiff of leather. The ripe palate delivers mature black cherry layered with white pepper and cinnamon alongside supple tannins.” Wine Enthusiast 93 Points

“A succulent, fluid red, featuring black cherry, raspberry, leather, spice and anise aromas and flavors. The ripe fruit is layered over a taut weave of acidity and tannins, leaving a long, complex aftertaste of cooked fruit, mocha and spice.” Wine Spectator 93 Points

“Lots of white truffles, dark berries and mineral aromas follow through to a full body with fine tannins and a chewy finish.” James Suckling 93 Points