Cherry and licorice notes play off the dense, dusty tannins in this red. Shows fine tension between the elements, ending with a long aftertaste of sweet fruit and savory flavors. Best from 2015 through 2024. 420 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

The 2009 Barbaresco Bricco Asili is a pure joy to taste. Weightless and gracious, the 2009 wafts from the glass with the essence of freshly cut flowers, spices, red berries and crushed rose petals. The finesse of tannins elevates the Asili to a rarified air among the very best wines of the year. Seemingly endless layers of pure, textured floral fruit remain in the empty glass. This is a flat-out gorgeous wine in every way. I imagine the 2009 will enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Frankly, it is virtually impossible to resist today. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. It’s great to see Ceretto – one of Piedmont’s iconic families – doing so well after a lackluster period in the 1990s and early 2000s. Ceretto’s top 2009 Barbareschi are easily among the very best of the year. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

The estate’s 2008 Barbaresco Bricco Asili is a pretty, understated wine laced with sweet berries, crushed rose petals and spices. Sweet silky tannins frame the expressive red fruit through to the detailed finish. The 2008 is a relatively small-scaled Bricco Asili, yet the wine shows lovely balance and classiness. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Marked by tar, blackberry and licorice notes, this is a more muscular version of Barbaresco. The firm structure keeps it lively, with plenty of sweet fruit on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2030. 206 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

The 2007 Barbaresco Bricco Asili is pure Asili. Crushed flowers, raspberries, baking spices and menthol are given an additional layer of volume and richness by the deftly balanced French oak. This voluptuous, creamy Bricco Asili impresses for its polish and exceptional balance. The fine, silky tannins that are characteristic of this site frame the fruit beautifully through to the refined, eternal finish. The 2007 Bricco Asili is a gem from Ceretto. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661