The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Gaja Sperss 1989 75clDOC | Langhe | Piemonte | ItalySold outSize 75 clAll vintages 1989 1990 1996 1997 1999 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2015 Critics scores 96 Wine SpectatorComplex and fascinating, offering all sorts of floral, earthy overtones to the solid core of black cherry, blackberry and anise flavors. An intense wine that shows many facets, including a welcome whiff of vanilla and toast on the aftertaste. 2,700 cases made. ?93 Robert ParkerThe 1989 Barolo Sperss gives the impression of being more evolved, softer, and fatter than the single vineyard Barbarescos. Although there appears to be more depth of fruit, and the nose is more expressive, sweeter, and flamboyant, a thorough examination of the wine reveals considerable tannin. Nevertheless, the rich, ripe, broad, expansive fruit, full-bodied, chewy texture, and soft acids make for a decadently rich, complex, compelling bottle of Barolo. Drink it between 1995-2012. Producer GajaBarbaresco would not be the same without Gaja’s iconic reputation. This venerable domaine not only drew worldwide attention to the region, but they have also shown the quality that is attainable not just with Nebbiolo, but with “outside” varieties as well. Their story started over 150 years ago, when Giovanni Gaja founded the winery in 1859 to complement the food in his restaurant. Today, the company is managed by the fourth and fifth generations, Angelo Gaja and his children. Over the years, the Gaja name has grown to represent not only exceptional quality, but unique and intriguing flavors that are unlike any others from the region. The single-vineyards are a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera, like all the wine produced before the introduction of the DOCG denomination. This denomination was established in 1966, and it is mandatory for the wines to be 100% Nebbiolo. For this reason, he declassified most of his single-vineyard wines and took the denomination of Langhe Nebbiolo DOC instead, in order to reach the specific style he desired. Gaja currently produces a total of twelve different Piemontese wines, as well as, seven Tuscan wines from Montalcino and Bolgheri.