The 2006 Barbaresco Rabaja is a decidedly approachable, medium-bodied version of this wine. Sweet roses, raspberries and spices emerge from the Rabaja but the sheer muscle and layered quality that informs the finest vintages seems missing. Still, this is a very pretty, harmonious, if delicate, Rabaja relative to the finest vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. I was delighted with the wines I tasted this year from Bruno Rocca, who remains one of the most forward-thinking growers in Barbaresco. In addition to these fine 2006s, Rocca has a fascinating set of 2007s waiting in the wings. Rocca's winery sits atop the heart of the Rabaja vineyard, a parcel that is easily one of Italy's greatest grand cru vineyards. Rocca aims to make wines that can be enjoyed with a minimum of cellaring and I would say he did just that with his 2006s. Importers: Trilussa Wine Company, Greenbrae CA; tel. (415) 499-8466; Indigenous Selections, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 530-4021

Aromatic, with ripe strawberry and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruit and milk chocolate aftertaste. Fruity and attractive. Best from 2011 through 2014. 800 cases made, 240 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

Bruno Rocca’s well- received Rabaja is extremely generous with soft tones of mature fruit, spice, vanilla, ginger and root beer. His are very well-made wines and the softness and suppleness of the texture is their most admirable quality. The finish is long and smooth and peppered with black fruit and vanilla. Drink after 2015.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 94