Aromas of underbrush, camphor, violet, dark culinary spices, new leather and dark-skinned fruit lead the way. The structured, full-bodied palate shows juicy red cherry, raspberry, orange zest, ground clove, star anise and truffle alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It boasts elegance and structure. Drink 2024-2036.

I am not confident regarding the state of my samples for the 2016 Barbaresco Rabajà. I suspect there are hints of something related to Brettanomyces or an old barrel that are very subtle at the moment but could worsen over time. Traditionally, this Barbaresco that sees 22 months in Slavonian oak has produced some great vintages, with very interesting notes of tar, leather and licorice, but I found less of all that here. Some 11,000 bottles were made. This historic wine was first released with the 1971 vintage.