MCF Rare Wine
Vajra's Knockout 2021s
The 2021s are arriving... and it's another highly touted year for Barolo.
And the high touting it highly valid.
But, as most of you know, I'm kind of bored of the whole 'good vintage/bad vintage' thing...
...because what I love in Barolo can be expressed a multitude of ways, all of which are equally worthy to me.
So, I'll say this about the 2021s, they are classic.
They're focused, chiseled, restrained and fantastically structured. They're going to live a long time, and they're going to make everyone who owns them very, very happy.
Giuseppe Vaira is probably the most meticulous grower in Piedmont. Not only does he know everything about his vineyard sites...like more than you thought it possible to know about a plot of land...but he's also extremely thoughtful with his winemaking.
He has no set formula, he only works with one goal in mind - allowing each site to be expressed to its highest level through the lens of what mother nature gives him. And it's because of such an approach that his wines are both exceptional in every vintage, and also clearly different, which is something I deeply appreciate...because vintages that all taste the same is...boring.
He always allows a vintage to speak with its own voice, and never tries to make it do what it doesn't want to do...
....and that's something that's not as common as you might think it.
One thing I do love about any new vintage, though, is the fact that I usually kick it off with my offer for Vajra...
...which is what I'm doing now...
...so you kicking off your '21 Barolo purchases with some of my Vajra seems like a smart exchange.
GD Vajra
Barolo Coste di Rose 2021 - the Coste di Rose in 2021 is, as usual, flat out lovely. From the steep, sandstone-soiled site in Monforte, this wine is often described as the 'one that will drink early on'...which I think is a bit of a backhanded compliment...as if to say 'this one's good, but it's not as powerful as the other two'. I think that's a lame-o take. This is a gloriously charming, high-toned, red-fruited, floral-to-the-max expression of Barolo, aka a style of Barolo I love...and the 2021 is lights out. In other words, get this one before everyone comes to their senses on it.
Barolo Ravera 2021
Where the Rose is all about bright fruit and flowers, the Ravera is always a wine of polished brawn. The higher concentration of clay in the soils endows the wine with a breadth and power that is unique in the Vajra lineup. As is typical, this 2021 has more texture and mass on the palate, and is packed with the mineral/iron-y/leathery nuance you expect from a Barolo of this weight, but it still retains that signature Vajra energy and focus. I always have a soft spot for the Ravera, and I do again in 2021.
Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2021
The flagship of the estate, the Bricco delle Viole is a stunner in 2021. It's focused, chiseled, mineral, aromatic. balanced and pure, and is everything a Barolo purist could ask for in a wine. It's one of the finest Barolo on the market in every vintage, and the 2021 is surely, exactly that.
Please order by calling 212.255.8870.
Matt Franco
MCF Rare Wine, Ltd
249 West 13th Street NYC 10011
212.255.8870
Looking for a wine you loved from a past newsletter or a favorite you can't find anywhere? Email Raphael at raphael@mcf-rarewine.com, and we'll do our best to find it for you!
