BRUNO GIACOSA, BARBARESCO & BAROLO (Piedmont, Italy)
“At a time in life when many of his colleagues have begun to slow down, Bruno Giacosa continues to make stunning wines of the highest level. Of course Giacosa has the good fortune of having the services of long-time oenologist Dante Scaglione, who is one of the most prodigiously talented winemakers in Italy. Simply put, 2004 will go down as one of the all-time great Giacosa vintages for both Barolo and Barbaresco.“–Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

2004 BRUNO GIACOSA Barbaresco “Rabaja” $225 97 pts. ($191.25/btl case price)
“The 2004 Barbaresco Rabaja is off the charts. It boasts phenomenal richness and complexity in its dark, brooding aromatics and powerful structure, with suggestions of roses, tar, menthol, coffee beans and baking spices that emerge from the glass in an endless display of elegance married to sheer force. Although the Rabaja will be released as a white label non-Riserva, it is very close to Riserva-level quality. I would not be surprised to see the Rabaja merit a higher score in another year or two. This magnificent wine will especially appeal to readers who enjoy a structured style of Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 97 pts.“- Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

2004 BRUNO GIACOSA Barbaresco “Santo Stefano” $270 ($229.50/btl case price) 95 pts. Single-vineyard Barbaresco. “Giacosa’s 2004 Barbaresco “Santo Stefano” is a superb wine. Sweet, floral, mentholated aromatics meld into an expressive core of ripe fruit, with superb length and elegant tannins to round out the finish. Made in a more linear style than the Asili and Rabaja, it doesn’t possess the expansiveness of those two wines, but it does reveal tremendous depth, harmony and balance. This pure, sweet, long Barbaresco is the best Santo Stefano in years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. 95 pts.”–Robert Parker

2004 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto $270 ($229.50/btl case purchase) 96 pts.
“Giacosa’s 2004 Barolo Falletto is so compelling it will be hard not to drink it in its youth. This gorgeous Barolo reveals a deeply structured frame layered with sweet dark fruit, mint, spice and pine. At once delicate and powerful, it is a beautifully finessed wine that is sure to provide much pleasure. A recent bottle of the 1982 is a testament to the virtues of this great site as interpreted by Bruno Giacosa. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 96 pts.” –Robert Parker

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