2014 Angelo Gaja - Sperss Barolo DOCG

Decanter.com – 94 pts – SB: *Sperss comes from two crus in Serralunga, and like Gaja's Barbarescos it's aged in a combination of barriques and large barrels. As so often is the case, it's a wine that combines power and finesse. It has a subdued cherry nose with a touch of oak, leading to a palate which is rich, powerful and tannic, but not too assertive. It's well balanced and fleshy, with lots of velvety texture and grain, and there's still an underlying freshness and finesse. Very long finish.* - 05/2018

Falstaff Magazin – 95 pts – OK, SS: *Glänzendes Rubin mit aufhellendem Rand. Sehr intensive und klare Nase, satt nach Rosenblättern, Waldhimbeeren und Erdbeeren, dahinter feine Würze. Griffiges und dichtes Tannin, tiefgründig, viel saftige Frucht, nach Himbeeren, im Finale mit kernigem Druck.* - 08/2018

JancisRobinson.com – 17,5/20pts – RH: *Potent candied cherry fruit, powerful with a sour tint on the palate. Finely chiselled tannins, like soft marble (is there such a thing?!) yet with a furry, floury character too. Chewy but very yielding. Very savoury, charred characteristics on the finish. High alcohol.* - 09/2018

Vinous.com – 93 pts – AG: *The 2014 Barolo Sperss is an attractive wine from Gaja's vineyards in Serralunga. There is good depth to the succulent black cherry, plum, smoke and licorice flavors, although it doesn't quite have the explosiveness or power of the very best years. Because of the wine's slender personality, the oak is a bit more evident than is typically the case. The Sperss also feels a bit forced in terms of extraction and oak, especially next to the Conteisa, where the choices have turned out to be more successful in bringing out the best the vintage has to offer.* - 02/2018