The 2006 Barbaresco Asij is a plump, juicy offering bursting with dark red fruit and French oak. The Asij offers good balance, even if the oak seems a bit heavy-handed considering the modest structure of the wine. That said, some of the overt oakiness faded over time. This accessible, mid-weight Barbaresco is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. This is a pretty set of 2006 Barbarescos from Ceretto. The wines show excellent textural softness and beautiful integration of tannins. All of these wines improved markedly with air.Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Mixed berry jam on the nose, with hints of citrus fruit. Full-bodied, soft and fruity, with jammy character, round tannins and a delicious finish. Straightforward, fruity and generous. Best after 2010. 2,300 cases made, 700 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

A little sister to the estate’s more expensive Bricco Asili cru expression of Barbaresco, this tonic, clean and firm wine is redolent of black currant, cherry cola, wild raspberry, violets, tar and Spanish cedar. It’s a firm, determined and polished wine.——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 90