This $16.79 Vajra Dolcetto is 91 Points of Italian Excellence!
The Vajra family can seemingly do no wrong at their famed Piedmont property. Best known for their Barolo, this impressive family also bottles one of the finest Dolcettos in Italy. For the money, we think it is the very best!
“The 2023 is seriously beautiful. This is what Dolcetto should be.”
- Antonio Galloni, January 2025
Today we bring you their 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba, and it is a beauty. At $16.79, there is no better Dolcetto for less. Read on for the tasting notes, and for a "supple" and "succulent" 2021 Barolo from Elvio Cogno, then slam that Big Green Button while supplies last!
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2023 G. D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba
Piedmont, Italy
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Pouring a medium opaque purple/garnet color, this brilliant Dolcetto is packed with yummy flavors of red berries, tobacco, herbs and grainy red earth, all supported by a juicy, gritty, authentic structure.
“Vajra is one of the leading estates in Piedmont. The reason is simple. Every wine is spot on, from the Dolcettos all the way up to the top Barolos. That may not seem especially remarkable, but it is. The number of estates that operate on this level is pretty small. Moreover, the Vajras have never sought to push pricing, even during times when the overall market environment would have likely allowed it. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink. That holds true for the entry-level offerings in this consistently outstanding range.”
- Antonio Galloni, January 2025
After tasting dozens of Dolcetto bottlings this year, it’s very clear: This is the very best for the money. And, it gets even more delicious if you give it an hour or two in a decanter, unveiling a rounder palate and longer finish.
“The 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba offers up a classic profile of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves and licorice. Medium in body and vibrant, the 2023 is seriously beautiful. This is what Dolcetto should be. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030.”
- 90 Points, Vinous - Antonio Galloni (1/2025)
“The G.D. Vajra 2023 Dolcetto d’Alba, made with organically farmed grapes, has classic aromas of black cherry, blue flower and ground brown pepper. The aromas carry over to the bright, savory palate along with orange peel, licorice and bitter almond. Taut, polished tannins provide support.”
- 91 Points, Kerin O’Keefe (3/2025)
At its $20 median online retail, this is a GREAT buy. Our price makes it even more of a slam dunk. Drink now and over the next 3 to 5 years!
Vin Chicago Price: 16.79
Quadruple 95-Point Barolo from Elvio Cogno!
2021 Elvio Cogno "Cascina Nuova" Barolo
Piedmont, Italy
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Aged traditionally in large Slovenian casks, there is a wonderful freshness to this 2021 bottling from Elvio Cogno. Classic in color, aromas and flavors, this lovely Barolo is sensual and complex with a pleasure giving approachability that sacrifices neither power nor ageworthiness. A strong 94 points on our scale, the critics award a quartet of 95- and 96-point reviews...
“Showing impressive depth for what is the estate\'s entry level Barolo, the 2021 Cascina Nuova is a fantastic wine. It opens with alluring aromas of wild rose, forest berry, sun-warmed hay and dark spice that on the full-bodied, enveloping palate transform into succulent Marasca cherry, raspberry and star anise. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide balance. Drink 2028–2036.”
- 96 Points, Kerin O’Keefe (7/2025)
“Supple and detailed, featuring aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, plum, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco. This is all about finesse and balance, with a gentle line of malleable tannins on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2028 through 2046. 835 cases made, 275 cases imported.”
- 95 Points, Wine Spectator (8/13/2025)
“This Barolo shows lavender, dried cranberries, licorice and a touch of tile on the nose. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and balanced, with lovely, succulent fruit complemented by incisive acidity. The tannins are fine grained yet chewy, but they gradually resolve toward the bright finish. Better from 2026.”
- 96 Points, James Suckling (1/10/2025)
“The 2021 Barolo Cascina Nuova is highly aromatic and expressive of anise, incense, blood orange, and cranberry. The palate is medium-bodied but with a well-defined, even feel as well as ripe tannins and ripe acidity. It offers exceptional aromatics and structure that are emblematic of the vintage, and it should only improve over the next two decades if stored in cool cellars. A mix of the two Nebbiolo clones (60% Lampia and 40% Michet), this was vinified with a long maceration and submerged cap for 40 days, followed by two years in barrels. Drink 2026-2046.”
- 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (5/1/2025)
It is simply fantastic for a wine to get this kind of universal love! Wine Spectator quotes $76. As usual, we're a few bucks less. Grab a bottle or three for drinking now and over the coming 10 to 20 years!
Vin Chicago Price: 67.99
