2012 Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 750 ml

A Great Barolo Producer’s Masterpiece

The first time we tasted the unforgettable 2012 Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva, we were reminded not of other wines from Piemonte but, instead, of Burgundy. DRC’s La Tâche in particular. Because like that legendary Grand Cru, the 2012 Massolino showed the sort of detail and understated energy not typically associated with relatively young Barolo.

But there it was, and the intoxicating aromas of red berry fruit lifted with anise and a savory herbal character lingered on the palate for a full minute or more.

And it’s barely even begun to evolve!

Vinous awarded it 95 points and called it “a silky, nuanced Barolo…[with] rose water, orange zest, cinnamon, sage, mint and dried cherry” in which “all of the elements fall into place effortlessly.” James Suckling loved its “aromas of tea, coffee and dried strawberries [that] follow through to a full body” in his 94-point review.

Which all makes sense: Massolino is a producer that keeps on getting better…and it was one of the best in Piemonte to begin with. “While these wines have been terrific for quite some time,” Antonio Galloni noted, “in recent years Massolino has found an added element of finesse and nuance.”

The 2012 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva embodies that with energy, length, and old-school deliciousness.