Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  The glorious, dark plum/garnet-colored 1998 Barbaresco Asij offers a complex nose of earth, truffles, cherry liqueur, licorice, spice, and tobacco. Sweet and supple with nearly perfect symmetry as well as abundant glycerin and length, it will drink well for 7-8 years."  Oct01

Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style.   "Glorious aromas of raspberries, minerals and violets turn to mushrooms and earth. Full-bodied, with super, well-integrated tannins and a firm, chewy finish. This is very fine indeed."  Sep01

Winery:  "A complex, ethereal bouquet with hints of dog-rose, violet and liquorice. With its caressing, dry taste, in the mouth this wine highlights the excellence in the range of Barbarescos. Though it is capable of exciting the taste-buds after just a year in the bottle, the sensations are sure to increase on ageing: we recommend 3 to 15 years."

Wired For Wine:   The heady, full body of this Barbaresco requires bold, rich flavors.  It is our number one choice to pair with white truffles and truffle oil.  Oh my.  Pour it also with beef, game and game birds, and hard, full-flavored cheeses.  This season, we suggest a standing rib roast for center stage, beside a creamy truffle risotto.  Listen carefully to hear the pin drop at the table...  An easier crowd favorite would be a big pot of cheese fondue, and don't forget to drizzle in a few drops of that truffle oil.  Cut up some fresh crusty bread, and lay out carrots, brocolli, cauliflower, haricots verts, and maybe some short pretzels.  Stand back so you're not injured by the lunging forks.  If the cheese main course isn't for you, pour a glass of the Bricco Asili and enjoy some cubed Fontina while you decide what is.  Perhaps a pasta with a rich tomato and rabbit ragout.  Where's my truffle knife?

Life is short.  Drink wine.

Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  1998
Varietal: Nebbiolo (Michet)
Alcohol:  13.5%
Vinification:  Steel tanks maintained at 28/29°C; brief maceration after primary fermentation followed by 30 day malolactic fermentation.
Development:  2 years in French oak
Region:  Barbaresco DOCG, Asili, Piedmont, Italy
Production:  580 dozen