Dolcetto, G.D. Vajra, 'Dolcetto d'Alba', 2023, Italy

Serious award winning red you might never have tried. We did and can see why the reviews are so high. So many layers of taste, just read below, we agree ......

Regular 90+ points in ratings - for that price??

From one of Piedmont’s most respected family estates that has won many many medals in d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy.

Tasted by The Posh Off Licence 2025 July. Fruit from the off, immediately you’re thinking cherries and plums. That Italian dryness is slightly softer here, but still prevalent. Italian reds often have higher natural tannins — those are the compounds in grape skins, seeds, and stems that create that mouth-drying, slightly grippy sensation. Dolcetto is actually on the softer side for tannins (compared to Nebbiolo, for example), but still has enough to give a dry, slightly firm finish.

The plummy acidity hits your cheeks and takes over your mouth leaving a wonderfully fruity lingering taste.

Despite its name meaning “little sweet one” in Italian, it is not a sweet grape—instead, it produces dry, deeply colored, fruit-forward red wines with softer tannins and a velvety texture. 

Ratings & Expert Scores

• 90 points – Vinous (2023): “Offers up a classic profile of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves and licorice. Medium in body…”  
• 92 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2021 “Coste & Fossati”): A powerful Dolcetto from iconic vines  
• 90 points – Wine-Searcher (2017 vintage): “Light and perfumed” style, good value, great with pork  
• Vivino average: 3.8 stars from thousands of users: “This wine is vibrant and fresh; it has violet color. Aromas and flavours of violets, red fruits and berries, marasca cherries…”  
• CellarTracker user score: 90 (2023 vintage), noting a medium ruby colour and excellent structure after decanting  
• Decanted 2023 version described as “medium-bodied with a definite purple hue, youthful and structured”  

G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba consistently scores high across both critics and consumers—recognized for its bright fruit, perfume, and drinkability. A 90–92 point wine that delivers excellent value, making it a reliable choice for both everyday enjoyment.