Enticing scents of blue flower, crushed mint, berry and vineyard dust form the nose along with a whiff of new leather. The firmly structured, focused palate shows cherry marinated in spirits, black raspberry and licorice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. It's well-balanced, with vibrant acidity. 2027-2039.

Silky and expressive, delivering cherry, strawberry, rose, white pepper and aniseed aromas and flavors. Ripe and caressing midpalate, turning firmer and taut as this winds down on the lengthy, mineral-tinged finish. Shows fine balance and good potential for aging. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,420 cases made, 300 cases imported.

The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is a powerful, austere wine that is going to need a number of years to come around. I very much like the energy, but readers should not plan on opening a bottle any time soon, as the 2019 is seriously tannic and shut down at the moment. It's a gorgeous Barbaresco that shows the more elegant hand that defines the approach today. For now, though, the tannins are a bit searing.

With fruit from the village of Barbaresco, the 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is glossy and bright with dried berry, cassis, aniseed and candied orange peel. This silky wine offers medium length, silky tannins and easy freshness.