If you love great Barolo like we do, we've got a couple of from the near-perfect 2016 vintage that deserve to be in your cellar (or wine fridge)! They come from the historic Massolino estate, which has reached an even higher level of notoriety in recent years thanks to some outstanding vintages and a devotion to continual improvement. The winery was featured prominently on Wine Spectator's Top Wines of 2020 list, with their classic Barolo from 2016 making it to the #7 spot! But their most exceptional - and limited - Vigna Rionda Riserva Barolo best shows the magical levels of power, depth, and vivacity that Massolino has channeled from the wonderful 2016 growing season. We're offering both of these wines today!
The Serralunga d'Alba estate has been family-run since 1896, and in the years and generations that have followed, they've accumulated some top vineyard plots and gradually perfected their art. Since Nebbiolo is one of those varieties that can reflect site differences vividly, winemakers can not only blend multiple sites for a balanced, earlier-drinking wine, but also bottle single sites to showcase their distinctive qualities. Massolino's Barolos are full-bodied with a firm, finely etched tannic structure, lift of vibrant acidity, and a beguiling perfume that meshes Nebbiolo's brilliant cherry and floral aromas with dark spices (like licorice), tobacco, and an earthy streak, like 'crushed stone' and iron-ore. Their sleek house style comes from a moderate, gentle extraction from the skins, fermentation in oak, and aging in large, untoasted Slavonian barrels.
This is a wine of rarefied quality and character. Vigna Rionda is widely considered the great vineyard of Serralunga, as well as one of the top few of the entire Barolo region. Sure, it's powerful, with a firm core of acidity and bed of tannins like many of its neighbors; what distinguishes it from them is its innate balance and aromatic depth, which becomes clearer as it emerges from its youthful chrysalis. It displays a rich base of expressive fruit that rises to meet the powerful, finely-woven structure, with a glorious feeling of elegance intact. That's the magic of Vigna Rionda. The lots for the riserva bottling were aged for up to 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. It was given a black label to emphasize the exceptional character of the 2016 vintage. A collector's dream!
WINE SPECTATOR 98 POINTS - "Cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and menthol flavors highlight this supple red. There's plenty of backbone, and woodsy notes chime in, but this is more about the expressive berry fruit and elegant side of Barolo, ending with a terrific finish. Nonetheless, this will require several years for the tannins to be absorbed. To be released September 2022. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,000 cases made, 250 cases imported."
The Serralunga d'Alba estate has been family-run since 1896, and in the years and generations that have followed, they've accumulated some top vineyard plots and gradually perfected their art. Since Nebbiolo is one of those varieties that can reflect site differences vividly, winemakers can not only blend multiple sites for a balanced, earlier-drinking wine, but also bottle single sites to showcase their distinctive qualities. Massolino's Barolos are full-bodied with a firm, finely etched tannic structure, lift of vibrant acidity, and a beguiling perfume that meshes Nebbiolo's brilliant cherry and floral aromas with dark spices (like licorice), tobacco, and an earthy streak, like 'crushed stone' and iron-ore. Their sleek house style comes from a moderate, gentle extraction from the skins, fermentation in oak, and aging in large, untoasted Slavonian barrels.
This is a wine of rarefied quality and character. Vigna Rionda is widely considered the great vineyard of Serralunga, as well as one of the top few of the entire Barolo region. Sure, it's powerful, with a firm core of acidity and bed of tannins like many of its neighbors; what distinguishes it from them is its innate balance and aromatic depth, which becomes clearer as it emerges from its youthful chrysalis. It displays a rich base of expressive fruit that rises to meet the powerful, finely-woven structure, with a glorious feeling of elegance intact. That's the magic of Vigna Rionda. The lots for the riserva bottling were aged for up to 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. It was given a black label to emphasize the exceptional character of the 2016 vintage. A collector's dream!
WINE SPECTATOR 98 POINTS - "Cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and menthol flavors highlight this supple red. There's plenty of backbone, and woodsy notes chime in, but this is more about the expressive berry fruit and elegant side of Barolo, ending with a terrific finish. Nonetheless, this will require several years for the tannins to be absorbed. To be released September 2022. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,000 cases made, 250 cases imported."
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