The 2008 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a classic palette of Rionda notes: rose petal, violets, savory herbs, mint and sweet spices. Dark, layered and beautifully perfumed throughout, the 2008 is compelling, even if it is naturally a bit compact at this stage. Here the tannin is a bit more firm than in the super-polished 2010. Needless to say, it will be interesting to follow the development of both wines over the coming decades.

Fresh still with herbal-toned, ripe fruit aromas. Juicy fruit on the palate with developing notes of chocolate and spice. Excellent harmony and structure. Glorious now, will improve and could keep for another 20 years.

Just mid ruby beginning to show some orange on the rim. Sweet, fragrant, almost heady nose but not alcoholic. There is density of fruit on the nose. Loads of chewy tannins and succulent fruit on the palate. (WS)