Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Rabaja 1997

Initial impression of hedonistic, lush fruit with 14% alc.  Slow-oxygenation in bottle for 3 hours prior to dinner. This is very pinot noir-like.  Earth, cherry and minerals with mellow tannins.  Ruby color with attractive bricking at edges.  Paired with ravioli Bolognese... reminds me of a Corton Bressandes.  Definitely in a peak drinking window.  Saved half the bottle for later...

3 days later: Has gained considerable presence over the past several days (perhaps a glimpse of what is in store with a few more years of age...)  Gorgeous and compelling reflection of Rabaja terroir ... wonderful acidity from the influence of limestone marl substrate.  A bit more modern in style and more fruit forward than the 1997 Albino Rocca Brich Ronchi....
http://lestastevinsdulac.blogspot.com/2014/02/albino-rocca-barbaresco-vigneto-brich_16.html

Lots of very fine grained sediment toward the end of the bottle.  Ridiculously good.... alas, the second half went way too quickly.  Have a few more of these ...  Not sure how long I can keep from opening them.