1998 Gaja Barbaresco (heavy label condition)

Wine Spectator 92 points 

Subtle and perfumed, with rose, raspberry and strawberry. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins and a long finish. Seamless and textured. Pretty now, but give it a few more years.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 91 points 

The 1998 Barbaresco is a beautiful effort displaying fleshy, oaky, deep black cherry, raspberry, tar, and truffle scents with subtle new oak in the background. Dense, voluptuously-textured, and full-bodied, with gorgeous overall symmetry, and beautifully integrated tannin, acidity, alcohol, and wood.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91 points 

Good deep medium red. Deeply pitched aromas of plum, mocha, licorice and dried flowers. Dense and chewy with extract; compelling, sweet flavors of currant and licorice. Tannins are sweeter than those of the '99 Barbaresco. Finishes with a suggestion of nutty oak. 

Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 points

100% Nebbiolo from 14 different vineyards. 40-year-old vines on limestone and loamy soil. All 14 parcels vinified separately in stainless steel. After three weeks the wine is aged in large wooden barrels for 12 months, then blended, then aged for another 12 months. Fully evolved and tarry. Really confident. Dry end, tangy, a very pure expression of Nebbiolo. Some luscious fruit. Transparent.