Barbaresco Sori Tildin Gaja 2003

Gaja's single-vineyard Sori Tildin is one of Piedmont's most celebrated Nebbiolo crus, and even in the notoriously hot 2003 vintage it displays real pedigree.

The wine shows gorgeous crushed berries and flowers on a dark ruby-coloured, finely nuanced and detailed nose. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, it gradually reveals layers of ripe red fruit as it sits in the glass, finishing long and flavourful - a remarkable achievement given the vintage's extreme heat.

• Producer: Gaja
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Appellation: Barbaresco
• Vintage: 2003
• Grape: Nebbiolo from the single Sori Tildin cru vineyard
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Alcohol: 14% ABV
• Style: Full-bodied dry red wine, now at its peak
• Critic score: 94+ points, Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
• Serving temperature: 16-18C
• Decanting: Decant 45-60 minutes before serving
• Food pairing: Braised oxtail, truffle risotto, aged Parmesan
• Storage: Store horizontally in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature
• Drinking window: At its anticipated peak, drinking well now