Grand Cru Wine Merchants

The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja reveals gorgeous inner perfume in a powerful, structured style. This is a big, hulking Barbaresco, but its potential is evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable. Still, readers will have to exercise considerable patience here. I have seldom been disappointed by older bottles of the Rabaja and expect the 2005 will turn out to be another fine vintage for this bottling as well. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. -94pts WA (AG)

A delicious nose of ripe fruit and Indian spices, with perfumes. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a beautiful core of fruit. Features blackberry, chocolate and citrus fruit on the finish. Best after 2011. 1,200 cases made. -95pts WS (JS)