Introduction:
The 2020 Produttori del Barbaresco “Rabajà” Riserva is a benchmark expression of Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont’s most revered crus. This wine marries intense fruit depth with fine-grained structure and classically reserved elegance.

Terroir:
Sourced from the Rabajà cru in the commune of Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy), the vineyards are planted on white marl and calcareous-clay soils with good drainage and moderate fertility. Elevation and slope provide excellent sun exposure with cool nights, enabling full phenolic ripeness while preserving freshness and precision.

Appearance:
Bright garnet ruby with subtle amber edges starting to develop. Medium to deep intensity with youthful vibrancy.

Nose:
On the nose, expect rich dark cherry and black raspberry, lifted by hints of rose petal, dried violet, and underbrush. Secondary aromas of leather, tobacco leaf, and crushed stone add depth and complexity as the wine opens.

Palate:
Medium to full-bodied with a core of ripe red and black fruit—Morello cherry, black currant—framed by firm, polished tannins. High acidity ensures structure and longevity. Subtle spice, licorice, and earth notes integrate with a chalky mineral backbone.

Finish:
Long and persistent: the finish echoes tart cherry and baked plum, with graphite undertones and a measurable tannic grip. Balanced by lively acidity, it retains a refined poise rather than raw power.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Meat dish: Braised beef cheek in Barolo sauce or roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic

• Vegetarian option: Wild mushroom risotto with parsley and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano

• Cheese pairing: Mature Pecorino Sardo or aged Fontina—cheeses with weight and complex flavors that complement the wine’s structure and depth

Overall Impression:
The 2020 Rabajà Riserva is a serious, ageworthy wine that speaks of place and pedigree. With its dense fruit, fine tannins, and underlying mineral spine, it is beautifully balanced between richness and elegance. While approachable with decanting now, it will evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, gaining nuance and significant depth.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~14.5%
Farming Practices: Traditional
Producer Name: Produttori del Barbaresco
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Barbaresco Riserva DOCG (Rabajà cru), Piedmont
Grape Varietals: 100% Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2020
Wine Style: Dry red; Riserva Nebbiolo; structured, classic
Winemaking Techniques: Extended maceration on skins; aged for several years in large Slavonian and French oak casks before bottling; minimal filtration
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard glass Bordeaux-style (or Albeisa) bottle
Closure Style: Cork

Jeb Dunnuck: Rated 98 points
The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is another stellar wine in this range. Dark and explosive, the 2021 possesses notable richness to match its dark, brooding personality. Black cherry, plum, leather, cloves, menthol, licorice and gravel explode onto the palate. The 2020 will require a measure of patience, but it has a ton of potential.

Vinous: Rated 97 Points
Showing great structure and balance, the radiant Rabajà entices with intense aromas of forest berry, underbrush, new leather and dark spice. It’s full-bodied and delicious, delivering succulent Morello cherry, black raspberry and layers of dark spice. Firm tannins grip the finish. Drink 2026–2032. Abv: 14.5%

Kerin O’Keefe: Rated 97 points
In this vintage, the Rabajà was served last in a series of nine Riservas; that’s because it shows the most structure and power over a very defined and sharp mouthfeel. The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is streamlined and tight and a wine of enormous energy. The fruit is crunchy and tight with cassis and blackberry. A pretty mineral note defines Rabajà, giving it a chalky or powdery sensations on the close.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate: Rated 95 points
There’s breadth and depth to this red; its broad shoulders carry plum, cherry, licorice, tar, mineral and spice flavors, all backed by a layer of dense, dusty tannins. All of the components are in the right place yet need time to integrate. Best from 2028 through 2045. 1,354 cases made, 348 cases imported.

Wine Spectator: Rated 95 Points
The 2020 Rabajà is in a class of its own. Rich, full, featuring cherry, raspberry and rose flavors, very fruity, yet with a firm structure underneath. The tannins are dense and chalky here, with graphite and stone on the finish. It is perhaps the richest of the lineup, with fine detail and dimension.