Cavallotto, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2010

This captivating wine is an object lesson in the completeness as well as the immediate appeal of the 2010 vintage in Barolo.  Moreover, its appeal is not only immediate but also comprehensive:  It looks great (impressively dark color), smells great (pretty floral notes along with spicy, toasty oak and fresh fruit) and tastes great too (with deep flavors driven by dark-toned fruit).  All of the sensory impressions made by the wine are symmetrical and harmonious, adding up to the inescapable conclusion–which I rarely state so starkly–that this is simply a great wine.