2014 Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda [V98+][WA97][D95][WE94][WS93]

Producer: Massolino 
Region: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy 
Varietal: Nebbiolo 
Year: 2014 

Vinous, 98+ Points 

"The 2014 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a stunning wine. Sweet, perfumed and deep, the 2014 is off-the-charts great. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, mint, lavender, spice and hard candy infuse the 2014 with striking layers of nuance. But what really impresses about the 2014 is its depth and huge vertical build. All the elements fall into place in a sumptuous, deep Barolo that screams with character. Beams of tannin punctuate the finish. Massolino's 2014 is one of the greatest Vigna Riondas I have ever tasted." 

Wine Advocate, 97 Points 

"The Massolino 2014 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a wine that speaks of vintage as articulately as it speaks of site. The 2014 vintage is one of the most distinctive within these past two decades, with a quality of fruit that is fine, light, ethereal and almost fragile. However, Serralunga d'Alba, where the Vignarionda cru is located, is always characterized by extra power, structure and fruit weight. In a sense, this Riserva represents an intersection between those two opposites, showing both elegance and muscle. The wine opens to a pretty garnet color, and the aromatic intensity is well developed and capped by a mid-weight finish. Wild berry tones are followed by iron ore, blood orange and camphor ash." 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"Immediately expressive, this reveals enticing aromas of autumn leaves, cherry, liquorice, truffle and smoke. Mouth-filling yet buoyant, it carries a surprising tannic load for the vintage (though not for this site). Velvety in texture and drinking beautifully now, Massolino’s 2014 Vigna Rionda demonstrates why this MGA is so esteemed. Equally, it is a testament to Franco Massolino’s expertise and sensibility. He waited out the cool temperatures and incessant rainfall of summer, reaping the rewards of a much more clement fall. His south-facing plot yielded a modest crop of fairly small, concentrated, ripe berries." 

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points 

"Underbrush, moist earth, leather and a whiff of menthol shape the delicate nose. The linear, youthfully austere palate shows impressive structure for the vintage, featuring juicy black cherry, spiced cranberry and licorice accompanied by tightly wound, close-grained tannins and firm acidity. *Cellar Selection*" 

Wine Spectator, 93 Points 

"On the savory side, this red offers strawberry, currant and cherry flavors that are locked up with the dense tannins, lending an overall austerity and a dry, astringent, mouthcoating finish." 

Alcohol: 14%

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.