2009 Barolo Vigna Rionda

The 2009 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva burst from the glass with enormous confidence and personality. Nothing is understated here or otherwise hidden from view. This Riserva immediately puts its best assets forward with dark fruit nuances that are woven tight with veins of exotic spice and crushed mineral. The wine also reveals lovely aged characteristics of licorice, dried tobacco and balsam herb. The 2009 vintage is slightly broader and flatter compared to 2007 and 2006.

Mature-looking mid ruby with orange tinges. Hints of baking spice, dried fruit and finely spiced tobacco, but much, much less evolved on the palate – closed even – striking a fine balance with juicy acidity and tightly woven tannins. Far from ready and a great effort for the vintage and clearly demonstrating its cru status. (WS)

The 2009 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is an attractive but not particularly inspiring wine in a challenging vintage that I imagine the Massolinos are happy to put behind them. Overall, the 2009 Rionda is soft, pretty and delicate, with lovely aromatics and fine overall balance. The polished finish only adds to the wine's appeal. As good as it is, the 2009 Rionda doesn't quite capture the full pedigree of this justly famous site.