Rocca/Bruno Barbaresco Rabajà 2019

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$100 list] The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà shows more heft and concentration next to the Currà. The site has white and gray marl soils. This wine reveals a beautiful bouquet with dark currant, plum, iron ore and evident spice with hints of tobacco leaf. You also detect a hint of white pepper. This more robust style gives Rabajà bigger pairing potential with meat dishes and some of the traditional wintery foods of Piedmont, like stracotto di Fassona (braised beef). Production is 6,000 bottles. Drink: 2025-2045. (Aug 2023)"

96 points Aldo Fiordelli (Decanter): "Forget the over-extractions of the past decades; Rabajà from Bruno Rocca is today aged in both barrique and oak vessels, resulting in power and grace combined. The 2019 here is more concentrated and refined compared to the leaner (yet very good) 2018. Restrained aromas of liquorice, tar, black pepper, watermelon intensity and minerality in depth, with a slightly herbal note, are followed by a feminine palate with a peach skin character. The delicacy of the fruit is deliciously woven with lifted tension and very elegant tannins. Drinking Window: 2022-2039. (Jan 2022)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "All about class and finesse, the 2019 Bruno Rocca Rabajà opens with aromas fragrant blue flower, oak-driven spice and camphor. Linear and structured, the palate shows an elegant restraint, sharing red cherry, pomegranate and star anise before a smoky mineral finish. It’s a fantastic showing, with focus and knife-like precision. and smoky finish. 2026–2039. Abv: 14%. (May 2023)"

96 points Susan Hulme (The Wine Independent): "The 2019 Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Rabajà starts off with fresh earth, strawberry and truffle notes and a hint of vanilla ice-cream from the oak. The palate is much more savory, salty and sapid on the finish, but all of this is beautifully put together. There is a lovely, graceful elegance to these wines - with their superfine tannins they flow across the palate with such ease. Keep for 3 years and drink for 20 plus. Alcohol 14%. Drink: 2025-2042. (7/13/22)"

95 points James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of red berries, tobacco and fine tea leaves with nutmeg and pink peppercorns. Polished and refined on the palate with a medium body and massive, velvety but weightless tannins. Dry and lengthy finish with hints of crushed stones. Drink from 2026. (7/28/23)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà comes across as quite delicate and shy. I had hoped the 2019 would open more over the last year, but that has not happened, at least not yet. Even so, there is good energy and plenty of drive. The 2019 is marked by a distinctly red-toned fruit profile. A whole range of floral, savory and citrus accents add complexity through to the finish. This fruit came in on October 16, late by today's standards. Drink: 2024-2039. (Oct 2022)"