Marziano Abbona, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2010

I’ve loved this wine for years, but I’ve never tasted a rendition that could match this stunningly beautiful 2010, which stood out immediately in a giant blind tasting as an obviously great achievement.  Sweet and spicy aromas and flavors are irresistibly enticing, and the texture is supple and seductive.  Showing sensational depth and dimension and integration, this wine has it all, and has it in abundance but also in perfect balance, as demonstrated by its extremely long and symmetrical finish.  One of the two or three best wines out of 400 tasted in Alba over five days in May.