A festive close to the year: Sommelier’s Selection, the December edition

The 2019 vintage is regarded as classic, precise, and beautifully structured. In this Rabajà-Bas, that character reveals itself in aromas of red cherry, raspberry, violets, rose petal, and subtle spices, complemented by tobacco, tar, and a refined earthy undertone.

The palate is elegant and finely built, showing both depth and ripe fruit, enhanced by a mineral tension that adds further layers.

Its fine tannins provide a gentle grip on the finish while remaining perfectly balanced.
A particularly successful expression of the vintage.

Although produced in the same traditional manner as the classic Asili and Rabajà cuvées, the Rabajà-Bas presents a noticeably more intense umami character.

This wine can age easily for 10–20 years (or more), depending on storage conditions. Given the terroir and Bas style, 5–8 years of cellaring would unlock optimal complexity.

Producer

Cascina Luisin, Langhe / Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy

Appellation

Barbaresco DOCG — specifically from the “Rabajà” cru. “Bas” refers to the lower section of the vineyard (with more clay/iron and less sand).

Grape

100% Nebbiolo

Vinification / Style Notes

“Produced in identical fashion to the classic bottlings of Asili and Rabajà, the Rabajà-Bas offers a much more prominent sense of umami …”

Color

Pale, persistent ruby — classic Nebbiolo.

Aromas

Red fruits (raspberry, cherry, blackberry), violets, tobacco leaf, spices, earthy tones like potting soil, and in the Bas version clear umami / mushroom / truffle-like hints.

Mouthfeel

Finely structured, with notable fine tannins, lively acidity, mineral grip, and length.

Alcohol

~14%

Style

Elegant with solid backbone; “old-school” Nebbiolo finesse with even more pronounced terroir expression from the Bas section.

Serving temperature

16–18 °C

Decanting

1 hour when young

Glassware

Large Burgundy-style glass to allow aromatic expansion.

Zédé de Labégore is the second wine from the neighboring Château Labegorce. The château is now owned by the Perrodo family. The estate covers 27 hectares and is located in the commune of Soussans, in the northern part of Margaux. It has excellent terroir, with soils consisting primarily of sand mixed with gravel.

Producer

Jean-Pierre Moueix

Country of Origin

France

Wine region

Bordeaux

Classification

AOC Margaux

Year

2019

Grape varieties of wine

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

% grape varieties wine

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot

Taste description

Deep dark red color. Powerful nose, yet beautifully fragrant. Pepper. Cherries. Undergrowth. Seductive attack despite its youth. Elegant flavors with a powerful finish.

Wine and food pairing

Grilled or roasted beef dishes, various lamb preparations with thyme. Roast guinea fowl with liver and salsify. Hard yellow cheeses, sheep’s cheeses.

Vinification

Vinified in concrete vats and aged for 12 months in wooden barrels (20% new).

Closure

Cork

Bottle size

750 ml

Serving temperature

16 – 18 °C

Storage potential

5 to 10 years