2019 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is a powerful, austere wine that is going to need a number of years to come around. I very much like the energy, but readers should not plan on opening a bottle any time soon, as the 2019 is seriously tannic and shut down at the moment. It’s a gorgeous Barbaresco that shows the more elegant hand that defines the approach today. For now, though, the tannins are a bit searing.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
With fruit from the village of Barbaresco, the 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is glossy and bright with dried berry, cassis, aniseed and candied orange peel. This silky wine offers medium length, silky tannins and easy freshness.
Barbaresco. Lustrous mid ruby. Concentrated yet noble red-fruit nose that is still a little youthful and with minty hints. Youthful raspberry palate with lots of acidity and long finely chiselled tannins. Still a little embryonic. A thoroughbred. (WS)
The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà has just been bottled, so it is rather nervous, but its completeness on the palate is pretty evident. Rose petal, orange peel, spice, mint and sweet pipe tobacco open with a bit of coaxing. There is a feeling of transparency in the 2019 that is so appealing, while the natural richness of the year builds effortlessly over time.