Costa Russi comes from the Roncagliette cru site and lies directly below the Sori Tildin parcel at an altitude of 200 to 250 meters. “Russi” was the surname of the previous owner of the parcel, and the vines here are 40 to 50 years old. The vintages from 1996 to 2011 had around 5 percent Barbera in the cuvée, and as 100 percent Nebbiolo is required for the Barbaresco DOCG, the Costa Russi was bottled under the Langhe Nebbiolo DOC during this period – as were Gaja’s other single vineyards. Since the 2013 vintage, the wine is once again a pure Nebbiolo and bears the Barbaresco DOCG on the label. Fermentation in large Stockinger fermentation tanks made of Austrian oak, then the wine moves into small French barrels – barriques and 500-liter tonneaux. But no new wood is ever used. After 12 months, the blend is made, then it matures for a further 12 months in large barrels. The “Botte” used are made by Gamba from French oak and Stockinger from Austrian oak. Bright ruby red. The nose is deep and characterized by immense, light, ethereal complexity. Red cherries and aromatic wild strawberries with fresh mint and a delicate hint of vanilla. Sublime and yet seductively fragrant. In the mouth, the fruit is ultra precise and ripe – the monumental Gaja tannins cut it into small bites. A hint of chili spice, white pepper and fresh rock flour linger on the finish. The currently meagre structure of the wine demands bottle ageing in the cellar. A great wine, from a fantastic vintage, which should be forgotten in the cellar for a few years and will reach its drinking window in four to five years.