2001 Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Pora, Piedmont

90 pts - Galloni

'The 2001 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is perhaps the least refined of these wines. It is a deeply expressive, masculine Barbaresco that presents a wilder, more animalistic expression of nebbiolo, with underlying notes of macerated cherries, licorice, tar and earthiness and a bold personality defined by its somewhat unpolished tannins. It is a little rough around the edges, but beautiful in its rusticity. This year's Asili is another winner. It opens with an utterly sublime nose that is followed by a lovely core of sweet red fruit, licorice, menthol and mineral nuances that reveal themselves as the wine sits in the glass. Expansive and long on the palate, this deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco shows awesome purity and enough structure to drink well to age 20, perhaps beyond.' Last tasted Oct 2006.