Tasting Report: 150 Barolo 2010, Harmony And Enjoyment

I am looking forward to drinking 2010 Barolos. These are balanced and refined nebbiolos that give incredible pleasure now and will continue to do so for many years ahead. I love the texture and finesse of the wines with ultra-fine tannins and precise, beautiful fruit.

For those who have seldom enjoyed harmonious nebbiolo, this is a vintage to buy. You won't be disappointed. In addition, most are from about $50 to $80 a bottle.

Nonetheless, please don't believe that 2010 is a vintage of the century. It's not possible in most instances. Granted, some great wines were made in the vintage. Notably a number of wines from Aldo Conterno, Roberto Voerzio and Andrea Oberto as well as Bosco Agostino, Cerreto, Cordero di Montezemolo, Damilano, Lucian Sandrone, Marchesi di Barolo, Marziano Abbona, Pio Cesare, Renato Corino and Vietti.

I also tasted last summer barrel samples of two Barolos at Giacomo Conterno - Cascina Francia and Cerreta - and they were superb quality. So be ready for those.

But some Barolos are slightly diluted or short in 2010 so be prudent. A few weeks ago, I noted in a tasting report of My Top 50 Barolos why I didn't think 2010 was a truly top vintage. The main reason is that it is not an across-the-board success. Great vintages are when just about everybody made outstanding wines. And this did not happen in 2010.

Yet many producers say 2010 is a great year, just like they say 2009, 2008, and 2007 are also great. Regardless, they are all very happy they made outstanding Barolos in 2010.

Below are about 150 2010 Barolos I tasted in the last few months.