2005 Barbaresco Asili
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is just beginning to show the first signs of aromatic development, although it has more than enough depth to drink well for another 10-15 years, and likely more. Still, in this vintage, Asili is a bit austere, gamy and less sexy than is typically the case. Tobacco, smoke, game, licorice and incense are some of the many notes that add nuance on the powerful, tannic finish. The 2005 is maturing into a decidedly masculine, virile Asili, especially next to the 2004 tasted alongside it.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full, medium red. Sexy, vibrant aromas of strawberry, flowers, truffle and minerals. Silky-sweet on entry, then energetic and strong in the middle, boasting lovely stuffing and superb definition. This rather powerful vintage of Asili really projects its fruit on the strong finish, which features serious tannic grip. The Produttori's Asili bottling has been my default purchase here since the late '70s.
The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is sweet, sensual and perfumed. Today the wine remains extremely reticent, but the tannins show extraordinary purity and silkiness, suggesting the only thing missing is time. For now the 2005 Asili shows great integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate and a round, powerful close.
The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is sweet, sensual and perfumed. Today the wine remains extremely reticent, but the tannins show extraordinary purity and silkiness, suggesting the only thing missing is time. For now the 2005 Asili shows great integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate and a round, powerful close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. The Produttori del Barbaresco have another set of wonderful wines on their hands with these new releases. The Produttori have long made delicious, ageworthy Barbarescos, but in the last few years the overall level of quality and consistency has gone up several notches. Best of all, prices have remained exceedingly fair. The 2005 Riservas are worthy successors to the magical 2004s. The 2005 have more overt fruit than the 2004s but lack the explosive, layered quality that defines so many of the wines of that magical harvest. Still, these fine, traditionally built Barbarescos deserve serious attention. The estate’s fans will be delighted to learn that Riservas are planned for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 vintages. Readers who want to learn more about the Produttori may want to revisit my article on www.erobertparker.com for notes on a number of the estate’s legendary, benchmark wines. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
About the producer
Produttori del Barbaresco is one of the world’s finest wine cooperatives, famed for crafting beautiful wines at very reasonable prices. With a heritage dating back over five decades, it rivals Piedmont’s top estates and is celebrated for producing truly magnificent Nebbiolo.