Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential. Drink 2022–2029. 

The 2017 Barolo Albe has generous aromas of fresh black cherry, dried roses, baking spice, and tar. The palate has concentration of fruit that remains fresh with tension, noted by dried cranberry, orange zest, and cocoa. Once again, this wine proves a great value that well over-delivers for an entry Barolo. Drink 2021-2036.

This is one of the most accessible and trustworthy wines you can buy from Piedmont. Keeping in line with past vintages, the G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Albe opens to medium concentration and a very expressive or fruit-forward bouquet. This hot-climate 2017 edition shows a little more ripeness and roundness as is to be expected, but these results are a safe bet nonetheless. Cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by blue flower and pressed violets. Set this bottle aside for medium or long-term drinking.

Fresh and floral aromas with plum, orange peel and some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very drinkable now, but will improve with age.

Albe combines fruit from the Vaira family’s high elevation vineyards in the Barolo commune, an advantage in the warmth of 2017. The wine’s ripe cherry flavors are brightened by notes of licorice and orange peel, and the smooth texture gains verve and depth with exposure to air. It’s hard to beat this for by-the-glass programs.