The 2009 Barbaresco Asili wraps around the palate with juicy dark cherries, plums, mocha, spices and French oak. Asili is one of the great sites in Barbaresco, but unfortunately, little of that personality comes through in this wine, which emphasizes power and lushness over the refined, supple personality that is the hallmark of this site. Ultimately the 2009 comes across as excessively heavy and oaky. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

A powerful red, with a hint of oak shading the black cherry, plum and leather flavors. Fresh and muscular, with well-built tannins shoring up the finish. Long and flavorful, revealing an aftertaste of mineral and spice. Best from 2015 through 2027. 300 cases made. –BS