1997 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss Gaja, Langhe DOC, Piedmont, Italy
99 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (June 2001)
A virtually perfect effort is the 1997 Sperss (30,000 bottles), which represents the essence of truffles, earth, and black cherries in its striking aromatics and multidimensional, opulent, full-bodied palate. The acidity seems low because of the huge glycerin levels and prodigious concentration of fruit, but I suspect it is normal in the scheme of oenological measurement. This profound wine requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age well for 30-35 years.
100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (February 2012)
We caught the 1997s from Piedmont at the very summit of their beauty. Gaja's 1997 Sperss is a wine I have enjoyed often over the years, but this bottle was on another level entirely. The stars aligned as the room tasted this spectacular, utterly breathtaking wine. Words alone can't possibly convey the sheer beauty of the 1997 Sperss. Perfect. That's all I can really say.