In Stratton, VT — 3 months ago
Opened a couple of hours before service. The 2001 “Rabaja” pours a garnet color with a translucent core and fairly significant rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated, red fruit: Morello cherry, dried red flowers, truffle, old leather bound books, a mix of organic and inorganic earth and a pleasant blend of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where there’s a bit of a Maillard reaction with the fruit showing a touch more stewed. The finish is medium+. Drink now after a couple hours in the decanter but should drink well through 2031. — 5 months ago
Quite deep garnet , just a hint of ruby and a wide garnet , terracotta rim. Touches of chestnut , dark fruits , earthy liquorice , dry spice and black tea . On the palate this is very classically styled , with dark liquorice tinged blackberry, raspberry , spiced black tea and menthol tinged good long length finish . Balanced acaidity and quite high , grippy tannins. With time this is beginning to show quite well , but will not doubt improve over the next 5 perhaps 10 years and last well a further 10 . Really quite classic and imposing in style , but detailed and complex. — 7 months ago
Exceptional quality!! Blend is primarily Garganega that is rounded out with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Trebbiano. Pale straw color. Plentiful aromas of tropical fruit, white flowers, wet slate and a light touch of smoke. Flavors of peach, cantaloupe, lemon zest and raw nuts. Beautiful volcanic mineral/saline thread on the long lasting and crisp finish. Medium bodied with a slightly waxy/mouth coating texture. Rich and savory. So hard to put down. Thanking Petey and Kase for selecting this beautiful Father’s Day wine. — a day ago
Quite light ruby , wide pink rim . Lots of tart red fruits , cranberry , raspberry , with fresh cut herbs and rose . On the palate this is very fresh with lots of red fruits and quite high refreshing acidity . Good fresh herbal crunchy cranberry, orange rind finish with lightly grippy tannins . Perfect now and over the next 5 years or so . At Osteria Giro de Vite, in Monchiero , a little place just outside of the Barolo region that is well worth visiting . — 22 days ago
Strawberry jam, high alcohol, red fruit compote. — 2 months ago
Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits, citrus and floral notes. On the palate flavors of peach, apple and lemon citrus with lively acidity and blossom notes. Medium+ finish ending with citrus and creamy mineral character. Drink now while it’s fresh. — 3 months ago
At John Aisenstat Memorial Scholarship Dinner with Carisa. — 5 months ago
Medium ruby , with a relatively wide ruby garnet rim , healthy bright colour . Quite a lot of dried dark fruits , cassis , spiced dried cherries , dried cut herbs , coffee . On the palate this has high acidity and good extract , well integrated alcohol , though it clocks in at 15% . Dried cherry , roasted herbs , cassis , earthy touches . Good length, and quite grippy but fine tannins . Enjoyable this evening but there is no rush this will probably improve over the next 5 or so years and last well over the following 5-10 years . At Ristorante Greppia, Verona. — 18 days ago
Mother Wolf.
Las Vegas.
Quintarelli.
… but the Sommelier. — 3 months ago
Dark fruit, tobacco, smooth and deep. Great value! — 6 months ago
Another new one, unusual Cali Cortese with 12 years. Color on the yellow amber side and nose with mature notes with a touch of oxidation. Balanced on palate — 6 months ago
Freddy R. Troya
Villa Sparina Gavi Cortese 2024
Gavi DOCG – Piemonte, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from 100% Cortese, the 2024 vintage feels even more uplifting and rounded compared to the already solid 2023 release. Villa Sparina continues to showcase why Gavi remains one of Northern Italy’s most dependable white wine styles, balancing freshness, elegance, and effortless drinkability. This vintage particularly shines with its harmony and polished personality.
Aromas & Flavors
Bright citrus, crisp green apple, white peach, and subtle pear notes lead the way, followed by delicate floral tones and a touch of almond on the finish. The fruit profile feels more expressive and integrated in 2024, giving the wine extra charm without losing its mineral-driven identity.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and a beautifully rounded texture. Clean, vibrant, and very balanced from start to finish, offering both tension and softness in a way that makes the wine incredibly easy to revisit glass after glass.
Food Pairings
Excellent with seafood pasta, grilled shrimp, lemon herb chicken, oysters, risotto, or fresh cheeses. Also fantastic as a pure aperitif wine.
Verdict
The 2024 vintage feels more complete and harmonious than the previous release, showing extra polish while keeping the classic crisp personality of Gavi intact. Refreshing, elegant, and dangerously easy to enjoy.
Did You Know?
Gavi DOCG is produced exclusively from Cortese grapes in southeastern Piemonte, near the Ligurian border, which partially explains its coastal-like freshness and saline edge despite being an inland appellation.
🍷 Personal Pick
This has officially become my “wine king opener” and one of my new Northern Italy staples. The 2024 vintage simply feels more alive, rounded, and balanced, a bottle that surprises everyone and every time I have pour for friends that have never taste it. Cheers! — a month ago