Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2012 750ml

Underbrush, new leather, forest berry, dark spice and a whiff of fragrant blue flower are just some of the aromas you'll encounter on this gorgeous, multifaceted red. Structured but exceedingly elegant, the delicious palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco. It's impeccably balanced, with noble tannins that lend tension and a velvety texture. Drink 2022–2032. (Cellar Selection)

Readers will find a silky, nuanced Barolo in the 2012 Riserva Vigna Rionda. Rose water, orange zest, cinnamon, sage, mint and dried cherry are some of the many nuances that give the 2012 its aromatic top notes, and all of the elements fall into place effortlessly. Relatively open-knit for a young Rionda, this should drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2012 doesn’t quite have the explosive energy of vintages like 2010, 2013 or 2014, but it will offer tons of pleasure sooner than any of those wines. I loved it.

I always look forward to tasting this wine. Massolino truly captures the heart and spirit of Serralunga d'Alba, thanks to this special single-vineyard selection. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda hails from a warm vintage, and the wine transmits that warmth and opulence in a very natural and transparent manner. Both the bouquet and the mouthfeel show a very successful level of integration. The dark fruit is linked immediately to spice and smoke. The tannins finish on a polished, silky note. Production numbers are limited to around 8,500 bottles.

Aromas of tea, coffee and dried strawberries follow through to a full body. Has an energetic palate with polished and lively tannins that coat your mouth. Needs a few years to soften but very attractive already. Try in 2020.

Emphasizes flavors of underbrush, wild herb and leather, yet offers a baseline of ripe fruit. Prominent dusty tannins tip the balance toward the dry side. In a difficult phase, but I would give this the benefit of the doubt. Best from 2023 through 2042. 708 cases made.

Color: Bright garnet red. Bouquet: Reveals multiple broad and enveloping sensations, ranging from those of the early years, focused primarily on red fruits and flowers, to the more evolved sensations of brushwood, tobacco and spices that develop with age. This wine is a harmony of captivating nuances that are released and evolve slowly in the glass. Tasting Notes: Vigna Rionda is a unique Barolo, impossible to describe in just a few lines and hard to compare with others, even those from the Serralunga area. A wine capable of complexity, longevity and structure, which come together with unparalleled elegance. A little patience is required for it to reach its full potential, which is why it stays in our cellars until its sixth year, the only wine in our range to do so, when it is released as a Riserva. We recommend decanting and serving at a temperature of 18-20°C. An ever-evolving wine, it pairs beautifully with meat dishes, rich in intense and persistent aromas and flavours, and with mature cheeses. It is also the perfect meditation wine for those who wish to take their time to enjoy it while relaxing, appreciating its many qualities in their purest form.