The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is a huge wine. In some ways it reminds me of the 2004 because of its silkiness, but the 2007 is a richer wine with more weight, glycerin and body. Sweet cherries, flowers, hard candy and spices are woven together beautifully through to the plush, enveloping finish. Despite the power and richness there is plenty of Asili character in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. The 2007 Riservas saw a lengthy period of four or more weeks on the skins. The wines spent a total of three years in oak, the first year in 25-35 HL casks, an additional 12-18 months in larger 50-75 HL casks, and a final 6-12 months back in the smaller casks. When the 2007 Riservas were younger, the personality of the vintage was quite apparent, but as the wines have aged the site specificity of these great vineyards has begun to emerge. The 2007 Riservas are big wines that should drink well upon release, but they also appear to have enough structure to develop beautifully in the cellar. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Though fleshy, this red shows elegance and austerity at its core, courtesy of the firm, dry tannins and spicy underbrush flavors. The dried cherry fruit shows hints of rose and licorice, and this ends with a long, if tannic, finish, with fine potential. Best from 2015 through 2026. 1,083 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add