The 2014 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a stunning wine. Sweet, perfumed and deep, the 2014 is off-the-charts great. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, mint, lavender, spice and hard candy infuse the 2014 with striking layers of nuance. But what really impresses about the 2014 is its depth and huge vertical build. All the elements fall into place in a sumptuous, deep Barolo that screams with character. Beams of tannin punctuate the finish. Massolino's 2014 is one of the greatest Vigna Riondas I have ever tasted.

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. Drinking Window 2021 - 2045
Blind tasted by Aldo Fiordelli (at Alba, 28 Apr 2021)
Part of Barolo Riserva 2015 vintage report: 30 wines tasted

The Massolino 2014 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a wine that speaks of vintage as articulately as it speaks of site. The 2014 vintage is one of the most distinctive within these past two decades, with a quality of fruit that is fine, light, ethereal and almost fragile. However, Serralunga d'Alba, where the Vignarionda cru is located, is always characterized by extra power, structure and fruit weight. In a sense, this Riserva represents an intersection between those two opposites, showing both elegance and muscle. The wine opens to a pretty garnet color, and the aromatic intensity is well developed and capped by a mid-weight finish. Wild berry tones are followed by iron ore, blood orange and camphor ash. Massolino farms 2.6 hectares within the cru with calcareous and marlstone soils.