2012 Barolo, Vigna Rionda, Riserva, Massolino, Piedmont, Italy

Readers will find a silky, nuanced Barolo in the 2012 Riserva Vigna Rionda. Rose water, orange zest, cinnamon, sage, mint and dried cherry are some of the many nuances that give the 2012 its aromatic top notes, and all of the elements fall into place effortlessly. Relatively open-knit for a young Rionda, this should drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2012 doesn't quite have the explosive energy of vintages like 2010, 2013 or 2014, but it will offer tons of pleasure sooner than any of those wines. I loved it.

Massolino has really been on a roll over the last few vintages. The 2014s are truly impressive wines that further solidify the estate's place among the elite producers of Barolo. While these wines have been terrific for quite some time, in recent years Massolino has found an added element of finesse and nuance. Readers should note that Massolino did not bottle their Barolo Parussi in 2014.

Drink 2022 - 2037

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (February 2018)