Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja 2021 (750ML)

96 KO / 94+ VM / 94 JS / 94 JD / 17.5 JR

Forest floor, new leather, dark spice and sun-warmed hay mingle with botanical herb on the impressive 2021 Rabajà from Giuseppe Cortese. It’s full-bodied and savory, with flavors of juicy Morello cherry, raspberry, star anise and white pepper that before an almost salty mineral finish. A backbone of firm, refined tannins provides support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Drink 2027–2036. Abv: 14.5%-Kerin O’Keefe

The 2021 Barbaresco Rabajà is a wild, mysterious wine. Vibrant acids and incisive tannins are a reminder we are in Rabajà. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint, cinnamon and dried herbs all race across the palate. This young, youthfully austere Barbaresco needs time to come together, but it is super-impressive in the early going.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

A charming, fruits-and-flowers aroma and the rather broad and velvety palate make this one enjoyable already. Rose petals, orange zest, red cherries and a hint of tart cherry provide plenty of pleasure, while relatively soft tannins keep it smooth-James Suckling

A deeper ruby/red color, the 2021 Barbaresco Rabaja has all the components of the entry wine amplified further, with notes of medicinal herbs, turned soil, sappy herbs, dried cherries, and orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers good length, balance, and persistence on the palate. It’s angular but has ripe tannins, good freshness, and a persistent, savory finish with notes of dark rocky earth. This is a very well-done effort from Giuseppe Cortese.-Jeb Dunnuck

Barbaresco. Lustrous and just mid ruby. Bags of minerals on the nose while the fruit is still a little subdued but clearly concentrated. Juicy, elegant red fruit with deep gravelly tannins that demand more time. Long and a little mouth-watering on the finish.-Walter Speller, JancisRobinson