Tough in texture but ripe and toasty offering lovely black cherry plum and violet aromas and flavors remaining generous and flavorful through the firm and elegant finish. Needs time to sort out the tannins but everything is beautifully integrated and harmonious. Best after 1997. 900 cases made.

The 1989 Sori San Lorenzo is a monument to the Nebbiolo grape as well as to Barbaresco. It is one of the most concentrated wines I have tasted from this vineyard. There is a sweetness and unctuosity to the fruit that I did not detect in either the great 1985 or 1982. Still tannic backward and unevolved this huge rich spice tobacco black-cherry-scented wine is massive on the palate. It should be at its best between 1998-2015. It is a remarkable winemaking effort!Admirers of great wine will no doubt be debating the merits of Gaja's 1989s and 1990s for the next two or three decades. Both are spectacular vintages. When I tasted them side by side in March the 1990s possessed a slight edge in terms of concentration and power. That does not mean they will ultimately turn out better but they are fabulously impressive wines of unprecedented complexity stature and richness. For all his success the admirable Angelo Gaja remains fanatically committed to excellence and because of that he is Piedmont's reference point as well as an inspiration to many of the young growers just beginning to estate bottle their wines.Importer: Vinifera Imports Ronkonkoma NY.