Description

GAJA 2013 Darmagi Langhe Cabernet Sauvignon
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc | Alc: 14%
Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker’s notes
Opulent layers of concentrated black and red fruits. Strong cassis flavors and impressive power on the palate carries through to a long finish with persistent soft tannins. Great aging potential.

Angelo Gaja forever changed the world’s notion of Piedmont wines when he released this historic wine for the first time in 1985 (with the 1982 vintage), made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes planted in the township of Barbaresco. According to the often told legend, Angelo Gaja’s father exclaimed “darmagi!” upon learning that his son had planted Cabernet Sauvignon in vineyards previously devoted to Piedmont’s traditional Nebbiolo grape. Akin to the French quel dommage, the Piedmontese expression darmagi means what a pity! Or what a shame!. With his characteristic respect for tradition and those who came before him, the younger Gaja decided to call this wine Darmagi, a homage to his family’s legacy with an eye toward the future.

Pair with roast meats, wild game and hard cheeses.

Critical Acclaim:
“A solid red as always with lots of currant, chocolate and walnut. Full and chewy, savory and dark chocolate. Very pretty tannins. A blend of cabernet, merlot and cabernet franc.” 94 Pts – James Suckling

“The 2013 Darmagi is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon (there’s 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc) and comes from a small, 2.8-hectare vineyard. Aged 6-8 months in barrel before being moved to a larger oak cask for a year, it offers a Bordeaux-like character in its ripe dark fruits, tobacco, and damp earth aromas and flavors. Possessing medium-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and an elegant, seamless style on the palate, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years. It’s the most mid-weight of the four vintages reviewed for this report, yet it’s impeccably balanced and a classy wine.” 92 Pts – Jeb Dunnuck

“Complex aromas of black currant, plum, cedar and coconut introduce this intense red. The flavors are saturated and the oak spice well-integrated into the whole. Finishes with a touch of fresh thyme and sage, supported by firm, dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.” 91 Pts – Wine Spectator

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