1997 Massolino Vigna Rionda Riserva

Having had minimal experience with the Rionda cru, this wine is a revelation.  The 2010 version of the Vigna Rionda Riserva was one of the highlights of the masterclass tasting at Festa del Barolo earlier this year.  This 1997 version emphatically demonstrates the incredible potential from this hallowed vineyard. In an interview that Antonio conducted, Franco Massolino says, “It was Bruno Giacosa who made the vineyard famous around the world with his Barolo Collina Rionda. Unfortunately Giacosa stopped making his wine in 1993. Our goal is to make a Barolo that can live up to the standard Giacosa established.”  IMHO, Massolino has accomplished this while delivering his singular interpretation of the Rionda terroir.
This is assuredly one of the most delightful wines from Piemonte that I have had this year. Slow-o'd for around 3 hours and then into a decanter at the restaurant where it really began to show its stuff.

It is immediately apparent that this is a very special wine. Elegant, yet absolutely compelling.  Lovely fruit balanced with tarry notes.   Depth of complexity sets it apart with an alluring and fascinating finish of spices and dusty gossamer tannins.  Pale ruby color with garnet robe... remarkably translucent,  aptly passing the Soldera test.  The nose keeps opening up with haunting, come-hither florals and hints of anise. This is a wine where descriptives sort of fall short of capturing its essence.  14% abv.  Minimal, very fine grained sediment.
An enchanting visit to Rionda that leaves me wanting to go back for more!