2020 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja [D95][JS94][JD93+][WA93][WS93]

Producer: Giuseppe Cortese 
Region: Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy  
Varietal: Nebbiolo  
Year: 2020 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"Dense ruby in the glass, with precise definition of liquorice root, very restrained redcurrant and pomegranate. Parma violet supplies graceful florality. The attack is firm, as expected from a Rabajà, with very refined and integrated acidity. Leafy lightness in style and almost tart fruit flavours, but tannins of great quality. There is a lot of extraction but not too much and great character overall. Fermented in concrete and aged in large Slavonian oak vessels for 24 months. There is great potential for the long haul as is often demonstrated by the estate." 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"Notes of raspberries, blood orange, ground spices and tree bark. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity, polished tannins and vivid red fruit character. Savory and pure with a supple finish and spiced citrus peel undertones to it. Better from 2025." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 93+ Points 

"Set for a September release, the 2020 Barbaresco Rabaja' has a jeweled, transparent appearance and reveals a lovely floral, rosy perfume of ripe wild strawberry, anise, and fresh herbs. It is elegant and has good concentration, with graceful, fine tannins and notes of wild raspberry, peach, and orange peel. It is clean and has a mouthwatering freshness of acidity. Drink 2024-2036." 

Wine Advocate, 93 Points 

"With earthy notes and some rusty tones, the 2020 Barbaresco Rabajà shows generous fruit flavors from a warm growing season. The wine is open and immediate, requiring not much in terms of waiting time. In fact, it is showing very nicely at this young age with cherry, earth and rose-like aromas to close. Production is 17,000 bottles." 

Wine Spectator, 93 Points 

"A bright, cherry-flavored red augmented by earth, licorice, tar and mineral notes. Firm, yet well-balanced, with a lingering, focused finish. Shows fine length, which indicates its potential. Best from 2026 through 2042. 1,420 cases made, 300 cases imported." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.