1999 Barbaresco Rabaja

Rocca's 1999 Barbaresco Rabajà is now fully mature. Balsamic notes meld into game, smoke, tar, black cherries, tobacco and worn-in leather. The 1999 was aged in 60-70% new French oak which also introduced oxidative elements that are now quite obvious. The 1999 might continue to drink well based on its pure depth, but I see little upside from cellaring bottles further.