The cask-aged 2001 Barbaresco Rabaja is very spiced on the nose, with a balsamic character that gradually reveals itself as the wine sits in the glass. Though somewhat shut down today, it displays plenty of dark fruit and outstanding structure, with a gorgeous note of menthol on the fresh finish. It will require at least a few years of bottle aging prior to offering its best drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.
A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620