Bruno Rocca, Barbaresco, Rabaja 2021

Always a crowd-pleaser, the Bruno Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Rabajà is especially defined by its mineral nuances that are chalky, powdery and refined. This wine wears that mineral mantel like a champion, and I can't say that many Nebbiolos pull it off as well as this. The Rabajà also shows expertly worked tannins that are glossy, polished and firm. This site sits at 250 to 300 meters in elevation on tuffaceous clay and limestone soils. The vines are 55 years old (and 6,000 bottles were made).

The 2021 Barbaresco Rabajà is superb. Deep and explosive, with tons of complexity, the Rabajà is stellar. Readers will have to be patient, as searing tannins are pretty imposing today. Even so, the 2021 is a model of classicism. It has come along so well since I tasted it last year. I love how this builds on the finish. Fabulous.