Costa Russi

Gaja

Pronunciation
KOS-tah ROO-see
Year
2005
Type
Red
Winery
Gaja
Region
Piemonte, Italy
Oenologist
Guido Rivella and Angelo Gaja

Overview

The Gaja winery was founded by Giovanni Gaja in 1859 and has been owned and operated by four generations of the Gaja family. It is in the town of Barbaresco which lies just northeast of Alba. Giovanni Gaja was the great-grandfather of Angelo Gaja, the winery’s current owner. The eleven-acre Costa Russi vineyard was acquired by the Gaja family in 1950 and today produces one of Gaja's single-vineyard Langhe D.O.C. Nebbiolo wines. A "costa" is the side of a hill that faces the sun; "Russi" is the name of the former owners of this vineyard.

Wine Notes

Grape Variety
95% Nebbiolo, 5% Barbera
Vinification
Fermentation with skins in stainless steel. One week at 82ºF, then two weeks at 64ºF.
Aging
12 months in barriques and then 12 months in large oak casks.
Alcohol
14%
| Appearance
Dark ruby/purple.
| Aroma
A captivating and refined nose with well-integrated aromas of blackberries, violets and ro
| Taste
Elegance and crystal purity characterize this extremely complex and densely woven wine wit
| Serving Suggestions
Braised red meats, roast beef.

Costa Russi

Suggested Retail:
$550.00
CSPC#:
706122
Available Sizes:
750ml
Bottles Per Case:
6

Reviews

The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker -96 points

The 2005 Costa Russi shimmers on the palate with extraordinary grace. The wine boasts wonderful depth an richness in it’s dark red fruits in a round, generous style that offers lovely balance to the tannins. Notes of tar, smoke and licorice develop in the glass, adding a touch of complexity and nuance that is sometimes missing in this bottling. The French oak is present, but deftly balanced with the wine’s other components. As always, Costa Russi comes across as relatively accessible when young, but it is sure to be only improve with age. Recent bottles of the 1985 have been nothing short of glorious. Anticipated Maturity: 2015-2030

The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - 92 points

The 2006 Langhe Costa Russi is a bit reticent at first, and two of the three bottles I tasted showed elements of reduction that eventually blew off. A gorgeous center of soft perfumed fruit lies behind the slightly unfocused bouquet. The wine reveals notable clarity and detail once it opens up in the glass with dark cherries flowers and minerals that linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.