2009 Barolo Vigna Rionda
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Tasting notes
Medium red. Very ripe but lively aromas and flavors of raspberry, plum, mocha and leather. Plush, pure and sweet, with harmonious acidity giving the middle palate an almost shocking freshness for 2009. This very juicy, primary wine boasts outstanding depth and dimension. Its big, toothcoating tannins will require patience. Offers a very good example of how Serralunga's higher, cooler crus ripened slowly and well in this very warm year while retaining firm acidity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Barolo Vignarionda delivers all the promise of an exceptional wine, but doesn’t fully deliver the goods. It shows exaggeratedly soft and plump tones of red cherry and milk chocolate surrounded by spice, cinnamon and vanilla stick. The warm vintage contributed to the wine’s roundness, and the oak that was used shaped its spicy intensity. The voice of Nebbiolo is weakest of all. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020. Gianpaolo Pira feels an enormous attachment to his land of origin, Serralunga d’Alba, with its vineyards, rolling landscapes and secret truffle locations. His goal is to produce wines that capture the spirit of his territory. Serralunga d’Alba is a wildly beautiful and dramatic corner of the Barolo appellation. It’s the most rustic and rugged of them all, and its vineyards usually produce the boldest expressions of Nebbiolo. He has largely succeeded at his task, although some wines are more elegant that others in 2009. Various American Importers, including: De Grazia Imports, Republic; MO; tel. (417) 732-1668; Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Park Ridge, IL; tel. (630) 422-1119
Giampaolo Pira's 2009 Barolo Vigna Rionda is unfortunately totally overwhelmed by oak. Sadly, there is little Rionda character in this vintage. I also don't see anything to suggest the wine will improve with further time in bottle.