Pira-s 2004 Barolo Vigna Rionda (aged in 100% new French oak) opens with captivating aromatics that lead to a silky-textured palate of ripe red fruit. This medium to full-bodied Barolo offers exquisite purity and delineation with finessed tannins and an extraordinary sense of harmony. It shut down quickly in the glass and will require patience, but this is a stunningly pure Rionda in the making. It-s nice to see Giampaolo Pira bounce back with this gorgeous Rionda after his disappointing 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.