1999 Produttori Barbaresco Rabaja

WINE TALK
1

A while ago I posted notes on a Produttori Rabaja vertical (that were not particularly well received by the way, or well written, for that matter). The bottle of 1999 in the tasting was flawed, unfortunately. Recently, I had the opportunity to try one of the remaining bottles in my cellar. double decanted two hours before we started to sample the wine.

the wine is quite nice, medium dark color (not as dark as I remember the 2001), broad, a little sweet, and rich on the palate. Tannins are well integrated. Nose is rich red fruits, lacking a bit in penetrating tar and violets. The wine is no longer all primary, but hasn’t reached the tertiary nebbiolo range. Overall a very nice wine, and I’m happy I have a little more. That being said, for me it’s a bit more of a crowd pleaser–sort of the pretty blond cheerleader, rather than the sultry Italian beauty. (Bear in mind I’m married to a beautiful blond cheerleader).

At the moment the wine lacks a little snap or excitement I find more in some of the other growths. It could certainly be the bottle, or the air-time, or the timing in it’s development (or the taster). I know there are those who love this vineyard. There is a short thread on the Tanzer board about favorite Produttori Riservas, and Ian D’Agata was wondering if the long loved top vineyards (Rabaja, Asili) were affected by climate change, and other sites seemed to be coming to the fore (his current favorite was Montestefano).

2

I have tasted Asili and Rabaja from recent vintages (2004, 2007 and 2008) and have absolutely loved them. With the 2004 and 2007 vintages, all the Produttori crus were tasted together in a line up and Asili and Rabaja came up tops with Montestefano lagging behind them.

3

The nice thing is that there are a number of Riservas to choose from, and a variety of styles, so we all don’t have to chase the same wines. I have actually bought some Rabaja and Asili in the last few vintages, but there are times when I’ve preferred some of cooler or higher altitude sites. But I also haven’t done the entire line up like Sanjay has each year (although I did most in 2005 and 2007).

4

I have an untouched case of this. It is the year my twins were born and I’m hoping they get to enjoy some. On the other hand, it could be a useful parenting tool. “If you don’t have the car back by 11:00 I’m going to drink one of your Rabajas”