2014 Gaja Costa Russi

Gaja Winery

Gaja is one of Italy's most influential wineries and played a key role in Barbaresco's international reputation. Founded in 1859 in the village of Barbaresco, the estate, under the leadership of Angelo Gaja, became one of Piedmont's great icons. Through stricter selection in the vineyards, lower 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: crafting wines that express the character of Barbaresco's finest vineyards as purely as possible.

2014 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi

Costa Russi, along with Sorì Tildìn and Sorì San Lorenzo, is one of Gaja's renowned single-vineyard Barbarescos. Located just below Sorì Tildìn on the edge of the village of Barbaresco, the vineyard is known for its elegant and refined Nebbiolo style. Costa Russi wines often display a combination of aromatic finesse, ripe fruit, and a soft, polished structure that makes them relatively accessible in their youth without sacrificing ageing potential.

The 2014 vintage in Piedmont

2014 was a cooler vintage in Piedmont, but a warm spell at the end of the growing season still allowed the grapes to ripen well. The Gaja family left the grapes on the vine for a long time, which created extra concentration and aromatic complexity. The result is a Barbaresco with riper fruit than one might expect from this vintage, combined with fresh acidity and a clear structure.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep ruby red color with dark reflections. The nose opens with a broad and intense aroma of black cherry, red currant, and dried cherry, complemented by notes of spice, tar, leather, and licorice. Behind these, aromas of almond, strawberry, cranberry, tobacco, and subtle herbal nuances also emerge.

The palate is full and layered, combining finesse and structure. The tannins are firm yet refined, supported by lively acidity. The fruit remains clear and concentrated, with notes of cherry and ripe red berries. The wine has a long, structured finish, revealing spicy and mineral notes. Despite its power, the wine maintains an elegant and refined balance.

Reviews and reputation

This vintage received 94 points from The Wine Advocate. Antonio Galloni awarded it 96 points and describes the 2014 Costa Russi as a particularly refined and seductive Barbaresco with silky tannins and fragrant fruit aromas. According to Galloni, the wine already shows charm in its youth, but further bottle aging will bring additional complexity and depth.

Storage capacity

The combination of fresh acidity, firm tannins, and aromatic complexity gives this Barbaresco excellent aging potential. The wine will continue to develop with bottle aging and is expected to continue refining until around 2044.

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.