2004 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 2004 captures all the silkiness and aromatic depth of this cool, late-ripening vintage. Delicate and understated, the 2004 is a Rionda that emphasizes elegance over power. Hints of crushed rose petal, blood orange and spice round out the beautifully persistent, sculpted finish. This is a terrific conclusion to our second flight
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a mystery. I tasted several bottles, all of them significantly more advanced than I had expected. It's hard to say exactly if the wine is aging quickly, or if faulty corks are to blame. The best advice I can give readers is to check in on the bottles. At its best, the Rionda is wonderfully perfumed and elegant, but I see less of that than is customary in these bottles.
Transparent ruby. Complex, vegy nose that is not too sweet. Though there is lots of luscious fruit and staying power here. Dry finish. But masses of weighty fruit. Big and bold. Maybe not as subtle as La Morra. Long. (JR)
Serralunga d'Alba. Deep ruby, broad garnet rim. Very mature, with whiff of leather, perhaps even farmyard. Intense sweet attack, but no real depth nor complexity. Ever so slightly oxidative. (WS)