G.D. Vajra is described by Antonio Galloni as “a world of sublime hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level.” The winery is run by the second generation of the Vaira family: Giuseppe, Isidoro, and Francesca, with loving oversight from their parents, Aldo and Milena. Aldo founded G.D. Vajra in the early 1970s, returning to his ancestors’ land at a time when many were leaving the countryside. This spirit of tradition combined with adaptability characterizes this forward-thinking winery.
Aldo’s choice to embrace the rogue ‘j’ in the label – a print error that harks back to the pre-1920s spelling of the family name – illustrates their respect for tradition and their willingness to adapt to change, highlighting the family’s ability to merge their roots with the future.
Over the years, G.D. Vajra has acquired highly sought-after vineyards in their home commune of Barolo, as well as in Novello, Sinio, and Serralunga. The latter is known for the exceptional wines produced under their Luigi Baudana label.
The family excels at crafting the Piedmont staples, including Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Moscato, and the rare Freisa and Riesling, which is surprisingly impressive. Their Barolo Albe has gained recognition as one of the best-value Barolos, while Bricco delle Viole has established itself as one of the finest cru Barolo wines available. The Luigi Baudana wines, which were entrusted to the Vaira family in 2009, also compete at this high level.
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"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 Barolos are vinified along classic lines, with long fermentations (including submerged cap maceration) followed by aging in cask. Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. 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, Vinous.com
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2023 Langhe Rosso DOC
Usually $36
Now $30
"The wine is a delicate ruby red color. The nose has fragrant aromas of red fruits, sweet spices, hintes of violet and rosehip. The palage is energetic, lively and contoured by silky tannins. It’s a fun wine to drink and pair with all foods."
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2022 Dolcetto d'Alba 'Coste & Fossati' DOC
Usually $54
Now $45
"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is a powerful, deep wine. Black cherry, plum,leather, grilled herbs, gravel, lavender andspice lend notable complexity. Imposingtannins and rich Fruit give this a very seriousfeel. The 2022 is a wine for the dinner table."
90 Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
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2023 Barbera d'Alba DOC
Usually $54
Now $45
"The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish."
90 Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
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2023 Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
Usually $54
Now $45
"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is a joyful wine on the nose, with notes of candied pomegranate, fresh flowers, and perfume. The palate has a crunchy freshness and a fresh, chalky texture. "
90 Points
Audrey Frick, Jebdunnuck.com
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2021 Barolo 'Albe' DOCG
Usually $114
Now $99
"Do you have a favorite pair of jeans or a favorite dress that you keep in your closet for all occasions? That's the equivalent of this wine. The G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Albe is an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there. The bouquet focuses on dark berry, pressed flower and crushed stone. It offers good sharpness over broad lines. The mouthfeel is medium-plus in texture and it closes with silky, accessible tannins. Fruit comes from three cru sites: Coste di Vergne, Fossati and La Volta."
96 Points
Monica Larner, Robert Parker
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2021 Barolo 'Coste di Rose' DOCG
Usually $134
Now $145
"The G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Coste di Rose (a certified organic wine) is especially fragrant and floral in this vintage. It could be the power of suggestion given the wine's name ("slope of roses"), but you absolutely get hints of heritage rose or rose hip in this beautiful Nebbiolo. The 2021 vintage hits the ball out of the park. There are characteristic hints of tar and something that reminds me of oil paints or linseed oil. I love the clarity of the mouthfeel."
96 Points
Monica Larner, Robert Parker
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2021 Barolo 'Ravera' DOCG
Usually $214
Now $189
"The 2021 Barolo Ravera comes from an amphitheater-shaped vineyard that captures the sunlight, which the producers believe is what gives this cuvée its depth and richness. In the glass, the nose of the 2021 Barolo Ravera is remarkably concentrated, revealing notes of black raspberry and grenadine, fresh leather, and pressed flowers, with a long and sustained feel. The generous sweetness of fruit and its more noble, ripe tannins come through on the mid-palate, but it has a lot of finesse on the finish. The sapidity and purity of the fruit meets the tannins and acidity where they are fabulously. The estate keeps improving these wines, and this one is exceptional."
98 Points
Audrey Frick, Jebdunnuck.com
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2021 Barolo 'Bricco delle Viole' DOCG
Usually $214
Now $189
"The 2021 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is more refined and complete at this tasting, with more depth than the Coste delle Rose, exhibiting notes of raspberry liqueur, pressed flowers, sweet herbs, and fresh earth. A very pure and well-balanced vintage for this wine, it really shines with exceptional detail, offering even tannins and a balanced, seamless structure throughout. It feels as though this wine will offer the broadest window for enjoyment, thanks to its purity and length, which are quite profound."
98 Points
Audrey Frick, Jebdunnuck.com
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