The 2013 Barbaresco Rabajà is terrific. Vibrant in color, aromatics and fruit, the 2013 exudes class from start to finish. The dark cherry, plum, lavender and spice flavors are beautifully delineated throughout in a sculpted, chiseled Barbaresco loaded with personality. The 2013 does not quite have the depth or pedigree of the very finest Giacosa Barbarescos, nor does it reach the level of the 2001 (Riserva), 2004 or 2005, but it is nevertheless very fine. More importantly, the 2013 suggests Giacosa is on the road to making at least sound and competent wines. It remains to be seen if Giacosa can climb the ladder and join Piedmont's elite producers again. Regardless, I was absolutely thrilled to taste the 2013 Rabajà, which is also the first Barbaresco Giacosa has made from a newly acquired parcel that previously belonged to Lorenzo Alutto's Ca' du Rabajà.

Aromas of peaches, plums and strawberries. Hints of oranges, rosemary and oyster shell. Medium-to full-bodied Barbaresco that's tight yet so long and refined on the finish. Extraordinary. Such polished tannins. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste now. First year of Rabajà from Giacosa. 3,600 bottles. Available on the market January 2017.

This is the exciting new wine being presented by the Bruno Giacosa estate this year. The 2013 Barbaresco Rabajà comes from a half-hectare parcel purchased by Bruna Giacosa (Bruno's daughter) in 2013. Past incarnations of this wine were made with fruit that has now become part of the Asili cru under the revised map of vineyard crus. In other words, the name of the wine is technically the same, but the grapes used to make it are sourced from a different place starting with this vintage. This is a darkly enriched expression with ample power and muscle. The bouquet pours forth a beautiful array of dark fruit aromas with spice, smoke, laurel leaf and balsam herb. There's even a touch of aged cheddar or pecorino cheese that adds a spicy or piquant touch to the finish.