2005 Angelo Gaja Sperss RP--93 WS--95

Wine Spectator: 95 Points
Score: 95 Release Price: $240 Country: Italy Region: Piedmont Issue: Jul 31, 2009 Blueberry and ripe raspberry aromas, with hints of fresh flowers, follow through to a full body, with extra-refined yet powerful tannins and a long, long finish. Polished and well-crafted. Best after 2014. 1,500 cases made. --JS

Robert Parker: 93 Points
Wine Advocate # 182 Apr 2009 Antonio Galloni 93 Drink: 2012 - 2022 $163-$289 (240) The 2005 Sperss is simply gorgeous in its layers of super-ripe black fruit, smoke, licorice, French oak, new leather and spices. As is the case with most wines in this vintage, the 2005 Sperss is relatively compact and two-dimensional yet it offers outstanding balance in an easygoing style for this wine. Gaja's vineyards in Serralunga are some of the best-exposed plots in the zone, and that clearly was a help here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Angelo Gaja's 2005s from the Barolo zone don't match the level of his wines from Barbaresco, which are far more harmonious and complete in this vintage. Although Gaja is one of Italy's most consistent producers, these wines prove that, despite his considerable gifts, he is human. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900