The 2005 Barbaresco Rabajà emerges from a parcel that was subsequently classified within Asili, but it shows all the Rabajà signatures, namely dark fruit, plenty of structure and a good bit of tannin, too. Black cherry, graphite, spice, lavender and leather give the 2005 tons of character. It’s a gorgeous wine in every way. -- Antonio Galloni

94+ The 2005 Barbaresco Rabaja is the densest and richest of these 2005 Barbarescos. Because it is aged in a slightly smaller cask, the wine shows an explosive personality along with some oak nuances that require bottle age to settle down. This muscular Barbaresco resonates on the palate with layers of spiced, mentholated dark cherries, minerals and licorice. It remains a dense, structured and primary wine in need of serious bottle age for the firm tannins to melt away. This, too, is a sublime wine from Bruno Giacosa. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. - Antonio Galloni