Some things get debated in the wine world. Weirdly, the three best vineyards in Barbaresco isn’t one of them. And one of those three vineyards is unquestionably Rabajà. (Montefico and Montetefano are the others, wise guy!) Castello di Verduno’s was the first version I ever tried, and it remains one of my favorites, year in and year out. And in the best years, when the quality is high enough to bottle a riserva? You might never look at another Nebbiolo the same again. Beautiful medium red color; aroma of red fruits, oriental spice, tobacco, sandalwood, roses... and on and on and on. Mouth-filling texture but not bitter in the slightest; powerful but inarguably elegant. Will age and improve for a decade and more.
