“Barbaresco Riserva Asili 2014, with its distinctive red label (red stands for Riserva), is a tremendous effort in a challenging but ultimately very rewarding vintage. This wine will be released in February 2019. The previous edition was in 2011, and Bruna Giacosa tells me that it will be produced in 2016 and possibly 2017 - although this has not yet been officially confirmed. In a normal vintage the production is 11,000 bottles strong, but due to the lower yields in 2014 we can expect 8,000 bottles instead. Growing conditions in 2014 were worrying through late August due to humidity and below average temperatures. These conditions suddenly changed at the last moment, bringing strong sunshine and warmth in the final stages of grape ripening. Finally, 2014 was a long growing season with healthy fruit in reduced volume. The Rabajà cru sometimes shows a harder edge with more mineral definition. In comparison, Asili offers beautiful intensity and deep depth. This Riserva shows a seamless integration of wild fruits, blue flowers, spices, balsam herbs and pencil shaves. This is a complete and complex expression with an enduring sense of dimension and structure. I can't wait to taste this wine one day in the distant future when it continues on its promising development path.” 97/100 - Robert Parker