2011 Massolino, Barolo, Vignarionda Riserva

The flagship 2011 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is sensual, round and inviting, with striking translucence and overall freshness for the year. The flavors are bright, floral and very nicely lifted throughout. Just bottled a few months ago, the 2011 clearly needs time, but it is quite impressive and every bit as delicious as it was from cask last year.

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 in an elegant and understated manner. 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 aging to let it flesh out further.

Serralunga d’Alba. Will be released in September 2017. Healthy mid ruby with orange tinges. Powerful spiced, complex nose with real purity underneath all that concentration. Breathtaking balance between acidity, concentrated red fruit and melting tannins on the finish. Truly elegant. A stunning Barolo, but really deserves time, at least five more years. (WS)