Wine Spectator has revealed the first four wines within the top ten positions of its 2024 Top 100, the ranking of the best wines tasted according to the renowned American magazine. In the number 9 spot, we find an Italian wine: G.D. Vajra's Barolo Albe '20, with a score of 94/100. This Piedmont label is nestled between two Californian wines: Ramey's 2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay at number 10, and Williams Selyem's 2022 Russian River Valley Eastside Road Neighbors at number 8.
Last year, the winery claimed the 26th position with its Barolo Bricco delle Viole '19, which scored 96/100. Notably, a French wine from the Rhône also entered the Top 10: in seventh place is Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe's 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau. In the coming days, the remaining positions will be unveiled, with the top wine to be announced on Friday, November 17. For the remaining 90 spots, the wait will extend until Monday, November 18.
Wine profile
Established winemakers since 1972, Vajra is a respected name in the Langhe region. Aldo Vajra took over the family vineyards in 1968, and since then, the whole family—Aldo, his wife Milena, and their children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro—has been dedicated to the winery, both in the vineyard and the cellar. They care for an extensive estate that includes vineyards in the renowned Bricco delle Viole, Costa di Rose, and Ravera crus.
The Nebbiolo grapes come from three vineyards situated at altitudes between 380 and 480 meters above sea level. "Albe is our tribute to tradition and its Masters. It is born from the blend of high-altitude Barolo vineyards, where, thanks to three exposures, we enjoy three dawns every day," writes the winery. The 2020 vintage, described as "truly remarkable and one of the longest of the decade," is aged for 26 months in large Slavonian oak barrels of 40, 50, and 75 hectoliters. Notes of cherry, raspberry, juniper, and savory undertones are balanced with vibrant freshness and a long, structured finish.
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