2013 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Rabaja
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Barbaresco Rabajà is terrific. Vibrant in color, aromatics and fruit, the 2013 exudes class from start to finish. The dark cherry, plum, lavender and spice flavors are beautifully delineated throughout in a sculpted, chiseled Barbaresco loaded with personality. The 2013 does not quite have the depth or pedigree of the very finest Giacosa Barbarescos, nor does it reach the level of the 2001 (Riserva), 2004 or 2005, but it is nevertheless very fine. More importantly, the 2013 suggests Giacosa is on the road to making at least sound and competent wines. It remains to be seen if Giacosa can climb the ladder and join Piedmont's elite producers again. Regardless, I was absolutely thrilled to taste the 2013 Rabajà, which is also the first Barbaresco Giacosa has made from a newly acquired parcel that previously belonged to Lorenzo Alutto's Ca' du Rabajà.
Critic scores
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This is the exciting new wine being presented by the Bruno Giacosa estate this year. The 2013 Barbaresco Rabajà comes from a half-hectare parcel purchased by Bruna Giacosa (Bruno's daughter) in 2013. Past incarnations of this wine were made with fruit that has now become part of the Asili cru under the revised map of vineyard crus. In other words, the name of the wine is technically the same, but the grapes used to make it are sourced from a different place starting with this vintage. This is a darkly enriched expression with ample power and muscle. The bouquet pours forth a beautiful array of dark fruit aromas with spice, smoke, laurel leaf and balsam herb. There's even a touch of aged cheddar or pecorino cheese that adds a spicy or piquant touch to the finish.
This is the exciting new wine being presented by the Bruno Giacosa estate this year. The 2013 Barbaresco Rabaja comes from a half-hectare parcel purchased by Bruna Giacosa (Bruno's daughter) in 2013. Past incarnations of this wine were made with fruit that has now become part of the Asili cru under the revised map of vineyard crus. In other words, the name of the wine is technically the same, but the grapes used to make it are sourced from a different place starting with this vintage. This is a darkly enriched expression with ample power and muscle. The bouquet pours forth a beautiful array of dark fruit aromas with spice, smoke, laurel leaf and balsam herb. There's even a touch of aged cheddar or pecorino cheese that adds a spicy or piquant touch to the finish. Jun 2017, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Bruno Giacosa – now run by daughter Bruna – is a cult Nebbiolo producer, that has consistently made some of the best single-vineyard Barbaresco and Barolo from the 1960s onwards. The“red-label” Riservas are some of the finest and most collectable wines in Italy.