Aldo and Milena Vaira established G.D.Vajra in 1972 with some of the best vineyards in the Langhe. In total they own 25 hectares of vines with a further 10 hectares contracted for their production. They produce on average 100,000 bottles a year. Aldo Vajra and his children Giuseppe, Francesca and Isidoro aim to make wines that express the terroir of their vineyards, which are located in the Vergne zone of Barolo. The wines reflect their maker’s highly individual and personal style, they exhibit great nuance, elegance, and understatement, just like the man himself.

The Vaira family's parcel in Coste di Rose in Barolo are gorgeously located on the top of the MGA, at 310m above sea level. It's a unique vineyard. The soil is dominated by a pure Arenaria di Diano, a Tortonian sandstone that delivers distinctive floral aromatics and a salty minerality. This cru is one of Barolo’s best-kept secrets, being located right in between Cannubi and Bussia, yet away from the beaten paths.

With fruit from higher-elevation vineyards in the village of Barolo, the 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose is quite elegantly downplayed and fragile. The wine reveals wild berry, cassis and lots of blue flower or lilac. A pretty mineral note recalls crushed limestone and is present through the long and polished mouthfeel. This wine overperforms, considering the challenges of this vintage that saw extreme weather, from spring frost to scorching summer temperatures. These vineyard sites performed better than most. Tasted: June 2021; Rating: 94 Points; Monica Larner; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Ripe red fruit, blood orange, mint and nutmeg. Juicy dark red fruits with a bit of orange tang, spicy too, with firm chalky tannin, plenty of chew and energy, and a bit of liquorice on a long firm finish. A little more chunky and open-knit than usual, but still very good. Tasted: Jun 2021; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $158; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2024-2033+; Rated: 94 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Wild berry, menthol and tilled earth aromas mingle with whiffs of dark spice. Linear and savory, the lithe palate is already immediate, featuring juicy raspberry, red cherry, crushed mint and star anise accompanied by taut, polished tannins. Tangy acidity keeps it fresh and bright. Tasted: June 2021; Rating: 96 Points; Kerin O'Keefe;  Wine Enthusiast