Sorí San Lorenzo was one of the first single-vineyard Barbaresco bottlings, first released with the 1967 vintage. The closest of Gaja's three crus to the Tanaro river, the vineyard is more humid and temperatures in the summer are mild. ‘Nebbiolo loves humidity,’ asserted Gaia Gaja, who pointed out that the higher limestone content in the soils here results in thicker skins, giving better resistance to mildew and also resulting in more tannins in the wine. The textural tannins are immediately obvious in this 2020, supporting delicate, fragrant and sapid dark forest fruits, overlaid with scents of dried cherry and earth. Zesty acidity delivers a long, vibrant finish of earthy succulence, displaying great tension.

The 2020 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo is ample and potent, with tons of mid-palate intensity and palate-staining resonance. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice, gravel and dried herbs abound. As is so often the case, Sorì San Lorenzo is the most inward. (AG)

The Gaja 2020 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo has bright cherry, currant and underbrush. This wine is very pretty in the mouth, especially if you considered the silky nature of the weightless tannins. The San Lorenzo is fueled by a long finish and does not drop off on the mid-palate. It keeps going strong with red fruits, high notes and balanced acidity. The wood tannins are melted into the wine's fine texture.