The 1996 Barbaresco Rabaja exhibits toasty new oak, jammy cherries, dried herbs, and spice scents. Ripe and tightly-structured, with medium body, and a muscular, astringent, well-delineated finish, it should drink well between 2002-2012. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Lots of blackberry, mineral and licorice on the nose, with wet earth. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Still needs some bottle age to come around completely.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Best after 2008. 1,250 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add