2020 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker Notes

Medium garnet with a dark core. Fresh blackberry jam, grilled herbs, leather, sage, and mint on the nose. The fresh and rich aromas have impressive density. The palate follows with black cherry liqueur, cranberry preserves, lavender, mushroom stock, and spearmint. Utterly classic in flavor and texture, with sturdy tannins, juicy acidity, and a long floral finish. A wine to open on a cool night and pair with ossobuco, butternut squash risotto, or tagliarini with a healthy dose of truffles. Drink now–2038.

Press

Rated 97 Points Wine Enthusiast

Made from fifty-year old vines, the compelling Giuseppe Cortese 2020 Rabajà is one of the best wines of the vintage. It opens with perfumed berry, fragrant purple flower and vineyard dust. It’s absolutely delicious, delivering Jolly Rancher cherry, strawberry compote and baking spice flavors before an almost salty mineral finish. It’s structured and full-bodied, with tightly knit tannins while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2026–2039.