2021 Barbaresco Riserva, Rabaja, Produttori del Barbaresco (1.5L)

The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is dark, powerful and explosive. That's the good news. Readers will have to be patient with this brooding, sepia-toned Barbaresco. Dark fruit, graphite, new leather, licorice, scorched earth and gravel add to an impression of muscular gravitas. The 2021 needs a bit of time in the glass to start opening, but when it does, it's magnificent. ~ (97) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 10-1-2025

Youthful and pure, a bit austere at the moment, showing earthy minerality, dark chocolate, restrained black cherries and red currants with Earl Grey tea aromas. Full-bodied and vibrant, this has elegant, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and stunning savoriness with almost meaty depth. The multilayered, juicy finish is full of fruit, flowers and licorice. Not easy, yet outstanding. March 2026 release. Drink or hold. ~ (97) Aldo Fiordelli, JamesSuckling.com 11-18-2025

The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà pours a jeweled red color and reveals layered aromatics of licorice candies, fresh cherry, redcurrant, violet, and crystalline mineral tones. Medium-bodied, it has excellent balance, with savory tobacco accents, refined red fruit, and beautifully shaped tannins. I love the structure here as well as the overall harmony of the wine. Roughly 19,431 bottles and 1,951 magnums were produced. Drink 2027-2050. ~ (98) Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com 4-8-2026

There’s a core of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and eucalyptus in this powerful yet reserved Barbaresco. Flashes of orange peel and amaro emerge as the vivid acidity kicks in. The tannins are accordingly dense, and this shuts down on the finish today. Nevertheless, there’s a majesty to this red and the sense of a thoroughbred waiting to emerge. Best from 2030 through 2050. 1,900 cases made, 900 cases imported. ~ (98) Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator 3-25-2026