The 2014 Barbaresco Rabajà is gorgeous. Powerful and explosive, the 2014 possesses stunning depth and intensity in all of its dimensions. Spice, menthol and orange peel give the 2014 a level of exoticism that is compelling, while beams of searing tannin announce the presence and pedigree of Rabajà. Intense, tannic and yet also very precise, with soaring structure and terrific persistence, the 2014 Rabajà is the best wine the Bruno Giacosa estate has made in many years.

Aromas of smoke, dark berry, spice and warm stones. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a bright and intense fruit. This is so finely textured and beautiful. Extremely well done for the vintage. Drink in 2020.

The balance of cherry, strawberry and sweet spice flavors and dense, dusty tannins leaves a divide that needs time to bridge. Offers the requisite amount of fruit, and the finish persists, with sweetness to offset the tannins. Firm, dense and long, gaining floral notes and a more ethereal profile with air. Best from 2022 through 2040. 301 cases made. (BS)

This is the second year in which this wine was made with estate fruit (opposed to purchased fruit). Bruna Giacosa calls the 2014 Barbaresco Rabajà her “little miracle wine.” The Rabajà cru is very close to Asili, but indeed, the two corresponding wines are extremely different in character. This expression offers black fruit intensity, with sharp and classic lines. Rabajà tends to be closed in its younger years and needs extra aging time before it finds its voice. The mouthfeel is dense, brooding and slightly austere at this point. Ten additional years of cellar aging should be considered at a minimum.

Palish ruby. Exotically perfumed, complex cherry and dried cherry nose. Super-elegant palate with firm tannins that just hold the balance with the lithe, sweet cherry fruit. Just a tiny medicinal note on the finish, but intriguing, to say the least. (WS)