Cortese's 2003 Barbaresco Rabaja offers deeply expressive aromatics along with generous fruit with notable length on the palate and the rich, intense personality of the vintage. With some air, lovely notes of minerals and menthol emerge from the glass to round off this delicious Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.

Ripe plum and blackberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with round, velvety tannins and a medium finish. Mouthfilling, but needs a little more on the finish to be outstanding. Best after 2008.