2004 Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco Rabaja

The 2004 Barbaresco Rabaja is off the charts. It boasts phenomenal richness and complexity in its dark, brooding aromatics and powerful structure, with suggestions of roses, tar, menthol, coffee beans and baking spices that emerge from the glass in an endless display of elegance married to sheer force. Although the Rabaja will be released as a white label non-Riserva, it is very close to Riserva-level quality. From barrel it revealed just a little less length than the Asili, It will be interesting to see how the Asili and Rabaja develop in bottle. I would not be surprised to see the Rabaja merit a higher score in another year or two. This magnificent wine will especially appeal to readers who enjoy a structured style of Barbaresco.