Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Etichetta Nera Riserva 2020

Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Etichetta Nera Riserva 2020 Vigna Rionda is universally considered, by those with deep knowledge of Barolo and Serralunga, as one of the region's greatest crus. It is also the vineyard most closely associated with Massolino, who are its largest owners, with 3.5 hectares under vine. The family has farmed the site since 1956, with later purchases in 1967, 1985 and 1987 expanding their holdings to today's levels. Massolino does not use all their harvested fruit for the single-vineyard release: rather they make a strict selection, bottling only about a third of the potential volume under this label, with the rest going into the classic Barolo. There is very little topsoil in Vigna Rionda, and there is a high concentration of limestone, oxidised iron and other mineral elements, traceable to the Lequio Formation soil type — the oldest soil in the Barolo area. The limestone content (around 20%) is among the highest in the region, limiting vine vigour and ensuring full phenolic ripeness. Other features include the 250–360 metre altitude and the site's south-southwest aspect, which protects the vines from northerly winds and frost. Combined, the position and soils of Vigna Rionda create wines with an optimum balance of perfume, finesse, concentration and structure, along with the acidity and tannin to reward long aging in botti and bottle. This is why Massolino today always release Vigna Rionda as a Riserva, with a minimum of six years' age. It's fermented in large wooden fermenters and aged exclusively in large wooden botti for 2.5 years, with the remainder of the aging in bottle. This is only the second release of the Eticheta Nera (Black Label), reserved for only the greatest years. The first release was the 2016. The second, the 2020, is a wonderfully refined, pure and classy Vigna Rionda—super perfumed with crushed cherry, bay leaf and dried flower aromatics and a fleshy, powdery palate that is already approachable, but has the length and structure to live for decades. Massolino's 2020 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a total stunner. What a wine. Soaring aromatics and silky fruit immediately convey all the sensuality that is the single most identifiable Rionda trait. Elegant and nuanced, the 2020 is the bomb. It's one of the most refined Riondas I have ever tasted from Massolino. Lavender, rose petal, kirsch, hard candy and sweet spice caress the palate. Impossibly fine tannins add to its total appeal. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this in the early going.” 98 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Presented in the black label reserved for the estate's flagship vineyard, the Massolino 2020 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda comes from the family's most important holding, where Nebbiolo grows on the ancient Lequio geological formation. The wine takes a little extra time to open, but it slowly comes into sharp focus with aromas of black fruit, Spanish cedar and minty herbal notes of fir and camphor that gradually relax into woodland earth and autumn leaves. Aged for six years before release, including 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, the profile remains dark and savory throughout. The wine wraps smoothly over the palate with rich concentration, elegantly chalky tannins and remarkable persistence. It demands patience but ultimately rewards it with beautiful complexity and bold flavors. 96 Points - Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate