1999 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is terrific. A rich, silky wine, the 1999 impresses for finessed personality and inviting texture. The balance of fruit and tannin - one of the signatures of this great site - is impeccable. Although the 1999 is no longer the brute it once was, tertiary notes have yet to fully develop, which suggests the 1999 has plenty of life ahead.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda has always been somewhat of an enigma. It is a big, structured Vigna Rionda with vibrant fruit, great length and powerful tannins. One of the casks was new in this vintage and the wine has always has a gloss of new oak, but over the years the oak has begun integrate and the wine has developed beautifully. I may have initially underestimated this wine.
The 1999 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda continues to evolve at a snail's pace. It offers a beautiful, well articulated nose with classic suggestions of roses, tar, menthol and spices. As it sits in the glass, layers of sweet fruit gradually emerge yet it remains quite reticent. Although it displays notable finesse and balance, it can't quite match the sheer appeal of the classic 1996 or the supremely elegant 1998. This may ultimately merit a higher score, but it has been fairly unexpressive on the three occasions I have tasted it thus far. It should drink well to at least age 20.
The 1999 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda continues to evolve at a snail’s pace. It offers a beautiful, well articulated nose with classic suggestions of roses, tar, menthol and spices. As it sits in the glass, layers of sweet fruit gradually emerge yet it remains quite reticent. Although it displays notable finesse and balance, it can’t quite match the sheer appeal of the classic 1996 or the supremely elegant 1998. This may ultimately merit a higher score, but it has been fairly unexpressive on the three occasions I have tasted it thus far. It should drink well to at least age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799