2013 Darmagi Cabernet Sauvignon Langhe
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Darmagi is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon (there’s 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc) and comes from a small, 2.8-hectare vineyard. Aged 6-8 months in barrel before being moved to a larger oak cask for a year, it offers a Bordeaux-like character in its ripe dark fruits, tobacco, and damp earth aromas and flavors. Possessing medium-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and an elegant, seamless style on the palate, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years. It’s the most mid-weight of the four vintages reviewed for this report, yet it’s impeccably balanced and a classy wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Darmagi (Cabernet Sauvignon) is dark, sensual and inviting. Black cherry, spice, herb, chocolate and menthol are front and center. Vibrant and beautifully delineated, the 2013 possesses terrific balance and plenty of class. The Darmagi is certainly a solid, well made wine. But how does it compare to the best from Bordeaux and Napa Valley? Not that well. The Gaja children have now taken all of their flagship wines back to their historic appellations. Hopefully putting Nebbiolo back into this vineyard is coming next.
About the producer
Gaja has been at the forefront of the Piedmont wine scene for many years and is Barbaresco’s most decorated producer. The winery has received a record number of Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards – the highest accolade from Italy’s leading wine publication.