Giuseppe Cortese, Rabaja Barbaresco 2019

96 Points WineEnthusiast
"Enticing scents of blue flower, crushed mint, berry and vineyard dust form the nose along with a whiff of new leather. The firmly structured, focused palate shows cherry marinated in spirits, black raspberry and licorice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. It's well-balanced, with vibrant acidity. 2027–2039."

95 points Decanter
“Giuseppe Cortese owns four hectares in Rabajà, planted 50 years ago and Guyot trained. The soil is rich in limestone and clay. Concrete fermenters were never abandoned here and today the wine matures for 22 months in Slavonian oak vessels. Restrained, almost sturdy aromas at first, an extremely vibrant wild strawberry and balsamic character in depth emerges from the glass. Plenty of layers of complexity, from tar and flowers to dried cherry, woven with firm acidity and refined tannins. Warm yet with tension and a good finish.”

94 Points Vinous
"The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà has just been bottled, so it is rather nervous, but its completeness on the palate is pretty evident. Rose petal, orange peel, spice, mint and sweet pipe tobacco open with a bit of coaxing. There is a feeling of transparency in the 2019 that is so appealing, while the natural richness of the year builds effortlessly over time [Antonio Galloni, 01/02/2022] Anticipated maturity: 2026-2039."

Jancis Robinson
"Barbaresco. Lustrous mid ruby. Concentrated yet noble red-fruit nose that is still a little youthful and with minty hints. Youthful raspberry palate with lots of acidity and long finely chiselled tannins. Still a little embryonic. A thoroughbred. 18/20 points. (WS)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
Located in the heart of the famous Rabajà zone, this small, family-owned winery, known for producing exquisitely balanced wines from the Barbaresco zone, from their estate vineyards planted in the mist 1970's.
This wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Langhe hills just to the south of Cortese’s winery. To achieve the perfect structural balance, the wine is aged for twenty-two months in seasoned Slavonian oak casks, then bottled and cellared for an additional thirteen months.
Unfiltered to preserve its richness, this remarkably elegant Barbaresco offers concentrated aromas of raspberries, roses, violets, leather and spice. Full-bodied with robust flavor and firm tannins.