Jeb Dunnuck: 96 Points
(5/27/2021) "The 2017 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is the darker fruited of the G.D. Vajra sites and has rounded floral aromatics of crushed roses, resin, and cranberry cocktail. The palate is ripe and inviting, with building structure and notes of fresh red cherry, blood orange, and clove. The warmth of the vintage is felt without sacrificing lift. Drink 2025-2050."
Wine Enthusiast: 96 Points
(7/1/2021) "Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. Drink 2024-2032."
James Suckling: 95 Points
(7/2/2021) "Aromas of ripe strawberries and flowers follow through to a full body with firm, chewy tannins that are silky and very polished. That palate is very clear and precise. Attractive, if chewy finish. Try after 2024."
Vinous, Antonio Galloni: 95 Points
(1/2021) "The 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is classy and elegant to the core. Medium in body and wonderfully translucent, the 2017 captures all of the finesse of this site. Naturally, the 2017 also shows the ripeness of the year, but it retains its sublime sense of poise. The 2017 Bricco delle Viole is one of the clear stand outs of the year. Drinking window: 2025 - 2042."
Decanter: 95 Points
(11/9/2021) "The backbone of Vajra's Bricco delle Viole comes from a parcel established in 1949. As of 2017, it sees a new addition of plantings from 1931. Most of the grapes were picked in the first week of October and given a lengthy maceration of 58 days. Precise and pure, this opens with cherry, raspberry and cranberry, while nuances of fresh earth, wild herb and incense permeate. The palate is taut; its upfront tannins long, firm and powdery. Surprisingly sinewy and racy, it has a sour red cherry and brushwood finish. Not a crime to open now, but I will wait. Drinking Window 2023 - 2035."
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
(6/17/2021) "The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is packed with medium dark cherry fruit and plum. The wine also shows a savory side, with spice, hazelnut cream, licorice and lightly fragrant potting soil. This vintage sits solid on the palate, wrapping thickly over the senses, thanks to its creamy, fruit-driven consistency and well-managed tannins. These vines are high in elevation, ranging from 400 to 480 meters in altitude. Those higher elevations are key to interpreting a vintage that saw heat such as this. Drink Date: 2024 - 2040."
