Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2013 750ml

Hailing from one of the most celebrated vineyards in the entire denomination, this focused beauty boasts layers of complexity and depth, starting with its classic Nebbiolo aromas of forest floor, new leather, violet and wild berry. Balanced and firmly structured, the palate shows tension, power and elegance, delivering succulent Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, tobacco and licorice alongside firm, aristocratic tannins. It's still young but already beautifully balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2023–2053. (Cellar Selection)

The Vignarionda in Serralunga d'Alba is measured at about ten hectares, and eight single-vineyard wines claim this provenance. Massolino counts a quarter of that total, making this estate the biggest landowner in Vignarionda. First produced in 1982, this is the ace in Massolino's rotation, and the 2013 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a true standout in the appellation. It is finer, more elegant and more compact than its peers, bringing a spicy personality that belies a profound and deep nature. It's still tense, a little nervous and has some cellar time ahead of it, but this is a beautifully precise wine. This cru site is composed of sedimentary layers of sandy, yellow and ferrous marlstone that absorbs the moisture well. The soils are poor in organic substances, and therefore, the vigor of the plants is naturally reduced, as are yields, resulting in extra concentration and richness. Vignarionda also reaches phenolic maturity earlier than other sites, but that does not necessarily mean that it is the first of the vineyards to be harvested. The wine is aged in very mild oak in order to maintain the purity of the fruit and the robust tannins that come naturally to it. This is a real treasure for your cellar.

Linear, defined more by structure than flavor today. Lively acidity buoys the cherry, currant, iron and tobacco notes, while refined tannins lend support. Very long and fresh on the finish, but needs a few more years to reach its peak. Best from 2023 through 2045. 500 cases made, 100 cases imported.

Sweet-plum and orange-peel aromas here. Full-bodied, very tight and reserved with ripe and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows power and finesse at the same time. Great reserve wine. Drink from 2022.

The 2013 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a powerhouse. Not surprisingly, Massolino gave the 2013 an extra year in cask to soften the fierce tannins, but that may not have been enough. The 2013 remains potent and explosive in the glass, with searing tannins and tons of intensity. From time to time, Rionda aromatics emerge, but only with great reluctance. Readers will have to be patient with the 2013. I don't see it being ready to deliver pleasure any time soon. The 2013 was stunning from barrel, and will likely be equally compelling from bottle...one day.

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.