Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco Rabaja

Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco RabajaThe 2004 Barbaresco Rabaj is a total head turner. In this tasting, its only competition is the Asili Red Label. Even so, the Rabaj is an absolutely captivating, vivid wine from the first taste. Vertical and imposing in its sense of structure, with explosive energy to back things up, the Rabaj simply has it all. Scents of lavender, exotic spices and dark fruit add to the wine's total allure and seductive power. Antonio Galloni

It seems quite marked by the character of the Carmenere

Dark red/purplish fruit

staining your teeth and palate with a massive wall of fruit

displaying resonating berry character and smooth

flinty touches to the nose - it’s still extremely young - with green and red apple notes and some clear slate and wet stone minerality

chopped almonds and oyster shells plus a waft of baker's yeast

4 ha and Ponsot is by far the largest holder in Clos de la Roche)

This and the Suchots are often Grivot’s best Vosne 1ers and so it is again in 2011

A lovely wine expressing pristine aromas and flavors

when it matures

40% Semillon and 14% Sauvignon Gris

full and very serious big-bodied and tautly muscular flavors supported by plenty of dry extract and superb length