2012 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Very dry fruit and not much complexity on show either. Husky. Really pithy and tight, and not hugely pleasurable. (RH)
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.
The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda shows the greater balance of a wine that is close to being bottled. All the elements are finely knit in this deeply expressive, nuanced Barolo. Sweet red cherry, menthol and floral notes abound in a silky, highly expressive Barolo that captures the essence of Rionda. I can't wait to taste this from bottle.