The flagship 2009 Barbaresco Rabaja boasts considerable depth, power and richness. Despite its size and tannic heft, the 2009 posseses lovely inner perfume, sweetness and roundness. Today the plushness of fruit, tannins and overall structure dominate over site, but that should be less of an issue over time, as the Rabaja is sometimes slow coming out of the gate. The 2009 needs a few years to shed its baby fat. A soft, voluptuous finish laced with spice box and menthol is promising, though. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Time waits for no one. I remember when Bruno Rocca's children were kids, now they are all grown up and actively involved in the family business, which is great to see. Luisa looks after the commercial side of the winery, while Francesco seems to have inherited his father's passion for the vineyard. Various American importers, including: Ipo Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 300-4215; Dionysus Imports, TX; tel. (713) 822-8007; Bacchus Wine per Oasis, MD; tel. (410) 340-0057; Epic Wines, CA; tel. (831) 689-9080

This is rich, lightly marked by spicy new oak, with fruit shining through. The cherry and strawberry flavors are augmented by earth and wild herbs, finishing with a grip of refined tannins. Best from 2015 through 2026. 560 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add