2013 Gaja Sorì San Lorenzo

Gaja Winery

Gaja is one of Italy's most influential wineries and has played a key role in Piedmont's international reputation for decades. Founded in 1859 in Barbaresco, the estate, under the leadership of Angelo Gaja, became one of the great icons of the Italian wine world. Through strict selection in the vineyard, low yields, and meticulous vinification, Gaja significantly raised the bar for Nebbiolo. Today, the estate is led by the new generation of Gaia, Rossana, and Giovanni Gaja, but the focus remains the same: making wines that express the Barbaresco terroir as purely as possible.

2013 Gaja Sorì San Lorenzo

Sorì San Lorenzo is one of Barbaresco's most famous Cru vineyards and, along with Costa Russi and Sorì Tildìn, forms Gaja's historic trio of top wines. Located right next to the village of Barbaresco, the vineyard is known for its powerful, structured style. The 2013 vintage also marks a significant moment for the estate. For the first time, the wine was produced entirely as 100% Nebbiolo and re-released as Barbaresco DOCG, after a small percentage of Barbera had been added in previous years.

A historic vintage

The 2013 vintage is considered a classic and highly structured vintage in Piedmont. The relatively cool growing season and long ripening produced Nebbiolo with fresh acidity, pronounced aromatic precision, and firm tannins. Furthermore, the yield of Sorì San Lorenzo was approximately 30% lower than usual, which resulted in additional concentration and intensity.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep ruby red color with light garnet hues. The nose opens majestically with aromas of ripe red berries, orange peel, and floral notes, complemented by more complex nuances of meat, herbs, and mineral accents. As the wine opens, notes of graphite, menthol, licorice, lavender, and subtle smoke also emerge.

Powerful and impressively structured on the palate. The tannins are firm yet ripe, giving the wine a distinct architecture. The fruit remains bright and intense with notes of cherry, dark berries, and spice. The wine combines enormous depth and density with a striking freshness and elegance. The finish is long, powerful, and complex with a classic Nebbiolo signature.

Reviews and reputation

This vintage received the maximum score of 100 points from James Suckling, who describes the wine as a majestic Nebbiolo with impressive depth, density, and ripe tannic structure. Antonio Galloni awarded the wine 98 points, highlighting its classic power, intense structure, and enormous aging potential. According to Galloni, the 2013 is among the most impressive recent vintages of Sorì San Lorenzo.

Storage capacity

Thanks to its powerful tannin structure and concentrated fruit, this Barbaresco has excellent aging potential. The wine can continue to develop for decades and is expected to reach its optimal drinking window from around 2025 until well after 2040.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.