1999 Giuseppe Cortese, Barbaresco, Rabaja (RT 93) Given its age this shows a deceptively dark garnet/russet hue. The strength here lies in its spectacular masculine bouquet packed with notes of spiced plums, black cherry, sous bois, cedar and hints of tar and spice. As it opens the classic Rabaja spice shows its unique magnificence, building momentum with time in the glass. The palate is rich and decadent with soft, broad shouldered fruit, medium acidity and sweet, ripe tannins. This is a fabulous showing for this great wine, I can’t wait to see how the 1999 Riserva is showing. I followed this over the course of five evening, and even on day four and five it was showing very well. Drink now-2029+
