2008-11-26 07:27 |
IWC: By Stephen Tanzer
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Feburary 2008
(Braida Barbera d'Asti Ai Suma) ($96) Good ruby-red. Superripe fruits and licorice show an almost porty, late-harvest quality. Then very dense, powerful and ripe, but with surprising acidity and spice character giving it a juicy quality. Still quite primary and tightly wound, even a bit youthfully raw and unrefined. The label says 15.5% alcohol! Very impressive barrique-aged barbera, but I'd want to forget about this one for another couple of years. (Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY) 90(+?) points |
2008-11-26 07:27 |
WA: The 2004 Barbera d’Asti Ai Suma is made from late-harvested fruit, and as is to be expected, reveals an extra dimension in its ripeness and richness. This deeply-colored, sumptuous Barbera is redolent of plums, dark cherries, blackberries, spices, minerals and toasted oak. It displays outstanding length and plenty of style. I would prefer to drink it on the young side although this bottling has proven age-worthy. A recent bottle of the 1989 was still in fine shape, even if to my palate its best years belong to the past. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014.
Braida was the first estate to make important, high-quality Barberas from Asti. In the past the wines have always been very heavy and rich, but the 2004s are made in a more understated style.
Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907 |