The 2010 Barbaresco Asili is an elegant and austere expression with a bright, garnet-colored appearance and subtle touches of dried cherry, licorice, crushed mineral and cola. The aromas are there but the dots are not all connected yet. In fact, the bouquet is a bit muddled at this stage. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018. Just recently, Michele Chiarlo opened the Palas Cerequio Barolo Cru Resort. This boutique hotel, with just a handful of creatively decorated rooms and a beautifully positioned swimming pool, is nestled between the vines of the celebrated Cerequio cru. The property takes its inspiration from the estate’s top wine.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

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

This supple red is all about cherry, tobacco and mineral flavors, featuring a hint of flowers and herbs. Nonetheless, this is tight and chewy, with a licorice tinge on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2028. -BS