Love the Vajra and Baudana wines. This '17 was splendid.
2017 Luigi Baudana Barolo Cerretta: The nose is expressive, bursting with ripe cherries, strawberries and spiced plum. It is deep of fruit on the palate, with a base of powdery tannins. It is a big, rich and powerful wine, but everything is in check. It has superb length.
Ripe and red fruited, with rose and balsamic notes. Ripe and a little broader, than the previous Baroli. Sappy and expansive, but it lacks a little lift and freshness to make it complete for me. TM liked it more than I. (93 pts.)
Darker nebbiolo fruit, balsam, tar, dark cherry on the nose. This has better lift than the Baudana cru this year. Structured and vertical. The fruit and balsam of the nose is complemented with savory, ferrous, herbal, and cured meat notes. Great balance of power and freshness. Terrific structured, complicated, and harmonious wine. This needs cellar time. (96 pts.)
Redder fruited than the Baudana. Roses and balsam, and a little sweet tart. Sap and beautiful texture. Expansive palate with spice and menthol. Structured and fantastic balance. (95 pts.)
Great perfume. Roses and spice, underpinnings of meatier and savory tones as well. Sappy and rich, but not heavy. Rose and tar, menthol on th back end. Ripe in a good way. Spice. The best versions of this si have had. (94 pts.)
I might be an outlier, but at the same price I’m buying Vajra over Baudana. I like the red-fruited elegant style more than the darker burlier Barolos, though Baudana does it well.