Bruno Rocca : Rabajà 2018

A vibrant, open-knit red, with core cherry flavors backed by spice and eucalyptus notes. Revealing hints of licorice and earth on the gripping finish, this features fine texture and overall length. Best from 2024 through 2038. 485 cases made, 38 cases imported.

In this interpretation Rabajà is a vibrant, powerful wine, full of minerality. On the nose there is a stunning intensity of orange peel combined with fresh violets and wet slate, with whiffs of stone fruit and liquorice root. The attack is richer, highlighting the cherry fruit. Broad and lavish tannins of rare elegance don't mask the authentic character of Nebbiolo, perfectly woven with savoury citrus on the finish.

The floral aromas are so attractive here, with lavender and sage undertones. Orange blossoms, too. Full-bodied and layered, with serious depth of fruit and layered tannins for the vintage. Well done. Try after 2025.

The 2018 Barbaresco Rabajà is the most complete of the 2018 Barbarescos at Bruno Rocca. It offers gorgeous depth, naturally in the understated style of the year. Lavender, spice, menthol and pine accents lend aromatic nuance throughout. The Rabajà is on the lighter side, as many wines are in 2018, and yet all the elements are nicely integrated.

The 2018 Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Rabajà has some light spice, cream, vanilla, and strawberry notes on the nose. The palate shows a nice integration of tannins and red fruit with a little green herb note. The tannins are quite dry-edged but fine, like chalk dust. In the 2018 vintage, some wines seem quite evolved and ripe aromatically, but in terms of tannins and acidity they are firm, with fairly assertive tannins. This wine is like a little snapshot of the vintage, and as an expression of the vintage I really like it. It is less smooth and slick but shows plenty of personality and some exuberance. Wait 2 years and keep for 15–20 years.

Camphor, ripe berry, oak-driven spice and leather and aromas pave the way. The full-bodied palate offers cherry extract, coffee bean and candy coated licorice alongside taut tannins. Drink through 2028.