MCF Rare Wine

New Releases from Barolo's Greatest Value
 
The wines of Abbona are just awesome.

I mean, what else is there to say?  Pound for pound, they offer more proper, classic value than just about any other major-appellation producer on the planet.  

And, like many other Langhe producers this year, Abbona has graced us with an absolutely stunning release, covering two epic vintages - their cru bottlings from the charmingly assertive 2019 vintage, and the fantastic normale from the powerhouse 2021 vintage.  

The Barolo Normale 2021 is, like always, about as great a value as there is on earth and, in vintages like 2021, represents a chance to get a helluva lotta wine for your money.  

Like almost all of the '21s so far, this Normale is about as linear and structured a vintage of this wine as I can recall.  Typically, this is the wine you tell people to 'drink while the crus are aging' and, while the classic easy going charm that you always expect is still quite present, this powerful, chiseled and focused wine is one that's going to get better with time, ideally a year or two (at least).  

One of my favorites from the Abbona lineup since its debut has been the Barolo Cerviano Merli, and the 2019 Merli is, again, a stunner.  Its dark, potent and savory/stony elements are balanced nicely by its supple fruit, all of which is held together by the firmest backbone in the lineup.  If you like them with a broody/moody edge, this is the one.  

Then we have the Barolo Pressenda, easily Abbona's signature Barolo, and one that blends all of the elements we love into one, sublime sip.  It's got the bright, aromatic energy, the deeply textured richness and the powerful structure, and, in this wonderful 2019, it has them all in near perfect balance.  

While I, personally, always love the Cerviano Merli, I will say that Pressenda is always the truest representation of the Abbona style - playful, joyous and expressive, yet still as serious a Barolo as you'll find, if subtly so.  

We're wearing jackets in NYC this week, so I'd say that Barolo season is officially here...

...and there's plenty more to come after this.  

ABBONA
Barolo 20201
Barolo Cerviano Merli 2019
Barolo Pressenda 2019

**Please order by replying to this message or calling 212.255.8870.

Matt Franco
MCF Rare Wine, Ltd
249 West 13th Street NYC 10011
212.255.8870

Looking for a wine you loved from a past newsletter or a favorite you can't find anywhere?  Email Raphael at raphael@mcf-rarewine.com, and we'll do our best to find it for you!