2021 G.D. Vajra, Barolo, Coste di Rose

While the Vajra family have long roots in the Barolo region (farming Bricco delle Viole since the 1880s), the Coste di Rose, located in the Comune di Barolo, is a relatively recent addition to their single-vineyard Barolo portfolio with the first vintage produced in 2015. Coste di Rose is a small Cru located on a steep, south-facing slope that the Vajra’s say “arises from Bosco della Fava and descends swiftly towards the border with Monforte d’Alba. The greatest emotion is the one you feel when reaching the top of the vineyard: a five-meter-tall dune of pure Arenarie di Diano stands out there, as the witness of the unique soil composition of Coste di Rose. These sands provide Barolo DOCG Coste di Rose with its distinctive character: tones of cherry and rose petals, mint and sweet spices, a silky tannin and a juicy sip.” This is by far the most approachable of Vajra’s Cru bottlings and the one I like to drink young with reckless abandon. The ’21 is very aromatic, giving and distinctly delicate as compared to the Ravera and Bricco del Viole bottlings.