The 2009 Barbaresco Rabaja is a fabulous choice for readers who want to drink a Cortese wine while some of the more structured vintages age in the cellar. A compelling range of juicy dark berries, flowers, spices and mint blossom in the glass. Fleshy, radiant and supple, the 2009 embodies all of the best qualities of the vintage. Piercarlo Cortese didn’t feel the 2009 could handle four years in cask, so there is no Riserva, all to the benefit of the “regular” Rabaja bottling. A sexy, gracious finish framed by silky tannins rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Piercarlo Cortese describes 2009 as a very consistent year. The 2009 harvest started at the end of September, slightly ahead of normal, and finished on October 15. The Cortese Barbareschi undergo malolactic fermentation in steel and are aged exclusively in cask. Cortese has recently expanded their holdings with a new lease in Rabaja, which will bump production up slightly in coming years. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

There's an impression of sweetness initially, buoying the cherry, currant and earth flavors. This red also enjoys a solid base of tannins, adding freshness and length. Shows fine balance overall. Best from 2015 through 2027. 1,400 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add