Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva Black Label 2016
The greatest expression of Nebbiolo is found in one of the world’s most exclusive and drop dead gorgeous regions, Barolo. In it, five core towns that make the Piedmonte region so special. There’s La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga, Castiglione Falletto and Barolo itself. Some of the top wineries in the region are located in the small but precious Serralunga d’Alba where the unique soil type gives the wines even more agability than the others in Barolo.
With castles and wineries atop sweeping rolling hills, it’s the kind of place where if you got in early and knew what you were doing, your family is still reaping the benefits multiple generations later. That’s the case at Massolino, the star of Serralunga, where the work of Giovanni Massolino in the late 1800’s is still paying dividends today.
Elio Grasso once told me over dinner while we sipped on a bottle of Massolino Barolo, “I love my vineyards more than anything he said. But if I could trade vineyards with any producer in Barolo, it would be with Massolino.” There’s a great reason why.
Armed with three fabulous Cru vineyards, Margheria, Parafada, and Vigna Rionda, the latter is considered by most to be the crown jewel vineyard of Serralunga. Together, the three vineyards are like the Spanish Armada, consistently producing some of the best Barolo in single-vineyard bottlings and blends like today’s.
We’re lucky to snag this iconic bottling from one of Barolo’s all-time great vintages. Quantities are extremely limited, but this is one of the Italian crown jewels we’re talking about. At 98 points from Wine Spectator, you gotta wonder if this one will top a list in this year or sometime soon.
Original price was: $355.00.$299.00Current price is: $299.00.
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98 Points, Wine Spectator
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. Best from 2025 through 2045.
97 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Packaged with a special black label, the Massolino 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is only released in the best vintages. Showing the power and the determination of Serralunga d’Alba, the wine is redolent of dried berry, lots of rusty earth and fragrant red rose. These are the typical aromas of this vineyard, and this wine presents them with impeccable integration. To the palate, this Riserva remains open-knit, tightly structured and broad in scope.
97 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Rose, ripe black-skinned berry and dark spice aromas mingle with camphor and forest floor on this full-bodied red. Combining structure and finesse, the firm palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, black raspberry and licorice. Bright acidity keeps it energized. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2026–2046.
97 Points, James Suckling
Tasting this Vigna Rionda is such a sensual experience, with the complexity you’d expect from the top-level Barolo, showing hints of iodine, dark mussels, walnuts, dark stones to the fleshy dark cherries and plums. Then it turns a little “bloody,” minty and tarry on the nose. “Dark” and full-bodied with a massive amount of small-grained tannins seamlessly knitting the fruit on the palate, driving it to a very long, mineral finish. Very tight and powerful now, yet seductively rich and full of flesh, too. Shows lots of potential ahead. Much better from 2025. It should hold well for the next 20+ years.
98 Pts, Wine Spectator – 97 Pts, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 97 Pts, Vinous – 97 Pts, Wine Enthusiast
Massolino is a treasure. They’re one of the few wineries that can say they have over 25 wines! on Wine Spectator’s annual ‘Top 100 Wines of the Year’ list, and they’re not alone in their praise. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate in their recent tasting of Massolino’s 2016s wrote, “I am struck by the harmony and perfection of the overall portfolio.” Today’s wine is massive and still young. It’s also from one of the most famous vineyards in all of Italy in one of Italy’s greatest vintages. This is one you need for your cellar.
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