Massolino, Barolo, Vignarionda Riserva 2011

Massolino's 2011 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a more than worthy follow-up to the stellar 2010. Silky, perfumed and incredibly inviting, the 2011 will also give up its considerable charms much earlier. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, spice, hard candy, and mint give the 2011 its inner sweetness. Above all else, the 2011 captures a compelling middle ground that balances the warmth of the year with a classic sense of structure. The 2011 is a racy, alluring Rionda that will be nearly impossible to resist, even young.

Brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino decided to give their single-vineyard 2013 Barolos a bit more time in barrel than normal. Tasted from bottle, those wines are every bit as impressive as they were from barrel. Massolino has made compelling Barolos for several decades. Still, in recent years, they have made additional investments that include a greater focus on quality, acquiring more vineyards and completing a significant cellar expansion. As for the wines themselves, they have never been better.

Drink 2021 - 2036

Aromas of mushrooms, rose petals, and blackberries follow through to a full to medium body, tight tannins and a fruity finish. It needs time to open. Impressive.

Better in 2020

The 2011 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is an exuberant and expressive wine with dark cherry fruit, spice, tobacco and black truffle. There is a pretty earthy quality on hand that is delivered elegantly and understatedly. What I like most about this wine is that it does not show evident signs of the warm summer growing season. Any extra fruit ripeness or sweetness is carefully tucked in at the back. Give this Riserva another ten years of bottle ageing to let it flesh out further.

Franco and Roberto Massolino completed construction on their new high-tech winery in 2015. It enjoys a fantastic and unique location under the panoramic square in Serralunga d'Alba. This is another fantastic set of new releases from this first-rate Barolo estate.

Drink 2018 - 2030