2016 G.D. Vajra - Langhe Freisa, Kye (750ml)

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G.D. Vajra is easily one of the most talented producers working with Freisa, an obscure grape variety that is directly related to Nebbiolo. There is always a family resemblance between the two grapes with Freisa displaying wilder, brambly flavors and carrying a bit more heft on the palate than Nebbiolo typically does. Given the quality of the vintage it’s no surprise that the 2016 vintage of Kyé is a stunning bottle of wine. The nose is quite floral with brambly berry fruit, mint, and a touch of spice. It is rich and resonant on the palate with grippy structure and will benefit greatly from some age.  Sourced from a parcel of vines planted by Aldo Vajra in 1980 at the base of the family's holdings in the Bricco delle Viole vineyard.  Certified organic farming, fermented in steel with a 3-4 weeklong maceration, aged in a mix of Botti and worn tonneaux for 26 months.  This is about as good as Freisa gets!

The 2016 Langhe Freisa Kyé is a gorgeous wine, but it is going to need at least a few years in bottle to be at its very best. Scorched earth, smoke, tobacco, grilled herbs and black pepper give the Kyé its distinctive brooding personality. As always, the Kyé is a powerful, deep wine, but, as in recent years, the style is a bit more restrained than the more explosive wines in the past. The Kyé emerges from a parcel in the Vajra family's Bricco delle Viole home vineyard.