2012 Barolo Vigna Rionda
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Tasting notes
Here's a beautiful late release from Oddero. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vignarionda has been softened and chiseled down with time, and the mellow contours of the once-hard edges are coming out. The wine offers lots of dark and rich fruit, with dried blackberry, tar, leather and cured tobacco. There is a point of subtle sweetness on the close. All of these lovely sensations settle slowly onto the palate, imparting extra density and richness with each step. The 2012 vintage appeared monotone to me when I first tasted it upon its release years ago. A rare exception, this wine shows us that we can expect beautiful things from this vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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At nearly ten years of age, the 2012 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a terrific choice for readers who want to enjoy a Rionda with a bit of bottle age. Moreover, the 2012 is a wine of pure charm and seduction, which makes it a joy to taste today. Lavender, rose petal, blood orange, star anise, spice, earthiness and red/purplish fruit convey the inner perfume that is such a Rionda signature. The 2012 doesn't quite have the complexity or structure of some vintages, but that does not attract from its tremendous appeal. There is more than enough energy and tannic grip to ensure for another 15-20 years of fine drinking, maybe more, so readers can drink or hold. The classically austere finish will delight fans of traditionally made Barolo.