Barbaresco Riserva Asili, Bruno Giacosa 2004

The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he's ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Aromas of strawberry and candle wax develop to cherry and light incense. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of fruit. Focused and very well done, but really tight at the moment. Very structured. Needs time. This is the red label, to be released in spring 2009. Best after 2014. 1,170 cases made

...The wine of the day, at least for drinking over the next 10-15 years, was the 2004 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Asili Riserva. It exhibited lots of rose petal, tobacco leaf, licorice, kirsch, cedarwood, white truffle and spice characteristics. This is a full-bodied, opulent, layered classic Bruno Giacosa offering from one of the great Barbaresco vineyards - Asili....