Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2018 (375 ML bottle)

In 1961, Angelo Gaja began his mission of bringing this great winery to an even higher level. He was the first to use 225-liter French oak barrels but he was a visionary well beyond just that. Under his direction, GAJA pioneered the production of single-vineyard designated wines and was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varietals in Piedmont. He was even instrumental in elevating the native Nebbiolo grape to world-class esteem. It’s why the Italian wine world has been chasing the winery ever since.

GAJA first started releasing this great Brunello in 2015 and doesn’t make it in every vintage, only the ones they deem excellent. It’s a classic Brunello with a light garnet hue on the rim. The nose boasts red fruits and Mediterranean herbs with a hint of rosemary and thyme. On the attack, there are Bing cherry notes along with plum and cocoa notes at the back of the palate. It’s a well-balanced wine, but it is still such a baby at the moment. It will reward those with patience but should have another 20-30 years of agebility easily.