The 2003 Costa Russi is a noticeably bigger and more powerful wine than the Barbaresco. Although it is less expressive in its aromatics it shows greater palate presence with suggestions of super-ripe black cherries tobacco and earthiness on a full-bodied frame with notable depth and a concentrated yet open-knit personality. It offers excellent balance yet the hard tannins of the vintage are most penalizing in the Costa Russi and this wine comes across as somewhat heavy and ponderous in style lacking the characteristic elegance of Gaja's best wines. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.