The estate’s 1999 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda X Anni reveals gorgeous depth and richness. Sweet roses, tar, licorice and minerals emerge from this expansive, generous Barolo. The tannins have softened, but readers will have to wait another few years before the aromas and flavors express tertiary nuances. All of the elements are in place for the Vigna Rionda X Anni to develop into a splendid wine. This is a marvelous effort. The X Anni is a second bottling of the estate’s Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda that spent an additional six months in bottle. I am a big fan of Massolino and often purchase the wines for my own cellar. As much as I appreciate the opportunity to acquire perfectly cellared bottles, the price here seems out of touch with today’s economic reality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024.
Massolino is one of Piedmont’s top producers. In most vintages virtually every wine that emerges from these cellars in Serralunga merits consideration.
Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799