Piedmont Wines

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Massolino not only manages the biggest part of Vignarionda, but also in my opinion, it has to be said that this estate has the merit to match the increased reputation of this cru over the past 20 years. The Riserva 2015 is concentrated in the glass, more than usual, with a dense ruby colour. Restrained cherry fruit, melted with rosehip, vibrant minerality and a balsamic touch dominates the nose, while brighter bloody orange flavours the palate. Broad, full bodied, velvety and naturally refreshing, this powerful Barolo ends with a thick mass of tannins, still young yet resulting from outstanding maturity. To cellar for the long haul, if you can wait.Decanter Magazine | 98 DECCamphor, underbrush, dark spice and cherry marinated in spirits are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this gorgeous red. Full-bodied, it combines firm structure with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and tobacco flavors framed in assertive, fine-grained tannins. It’s youthfully austere and needs time to fully develop but it’s already impressive. Drink 2025–2035.Kerin O’Keefe | 98 KOCamphor, underbrush, spice and brandy-soaked cherry are just some of the aromas you’ll find in this gorgeous red. The full-bodied palate combines firmness with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and tobacco flavors framed in assertive, fine-grained tannins. It’s youthfully austere and needs time to fully develop but it’s already impressive. Drink 2025–2035. Wine Enthusiast | 98 WEVery pure, this red exudes cherry, strawberry and currant fruit, shaded by iron, sage, white pepper and tobacco. Firm yet enticing, with superb balance and a finish that goes on and on. Excellent intensity on a slim frame. Best from 2024 through 2045. 790 cases made.Wine Spectator | 97 WSMassolino’s top-shelf wine is the 2015 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda. This expression comes roaring out of the bottle with beautiful intensity and richness that is played forward with abundant black cherry, tarry spice, clay and rusty mineral. The 10-hectare Vignarionda vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba is farmed by many, but Massolino is responsible for about a quarter of its production. This gives this estate better flexibility and opportunity when it comes to fruit selection for this limited release. The warm and sunny 2015 vintage wraps thickly over the palate, imparting a satiny texture and long finish.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RPThe 2015 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a magnificent wine that shows all the magic this site is so famous for. All the Rionda signatures open in the glass. Sweet dark cherry/plum, lavender, spice, mint and pine meld together in a sensual, beautifully layered Barolo that pushes all the right buttons. The 2015 is going to need a few years to soften, but it is undeniably vivid and arresting in its sheer allure.Vinous Media | 96 VM