Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2008

98 points Falstaff Guide: "Brilliant, rich ruby-garnet color. Fragrant and complex nose, with notes ranging from raspberry and plum to pomegranate, orange peel, peach and cardamom. It is superbly balanced and harmonious, flowing calmly, with plenty of rich, ripe fruit and lots of dense tannins in many layers, balanced and salty. Already a pleasure to drink now, but will certainly be even more so in ten years' time. (Nov 2014)"

97 points/'Cellar Selection' Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast): "From one of the most hallowed vineyard sites in Barolo, this structured, compelling wine opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, leather, anisette, cooking spices and balsamic notes. The vibrant palate weaves together dark cherry, black raspberry, licorice, mint and black pepper alongside brooding, bracing tannins. It's already impressive but will continue to evolve for decades. Drink 2018–2033. (Dec 2014)"

96 points Decanter: "Fresh still with herbal-toned, ripe fruit aromas. Juicy fruit on the palate with developing notes of chocolate and spice. Excellent harmony and structure. Glorious now, will improve and could keep for another 20 years. (Feb 2017)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2008 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a classic palette of Rionda notes: rose petal, violets, savory herbs, mint and sweet spices. Dark, layered and beautifully perfumed throughout, the 2008 is compelling, even if it is naturally a bit compact at this stage. Here the tannin is a bit more firm than in the super-polished 2010. Needless to say, it will be interesting to follow the development of both wines over the coming decades. (Jan 2014)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Elegant and refined, exhibiting cherry, eucalyptus, tobacco and underbrush flavors. Savory and harmonious, with an underlying beam of tannins and brisk acidity. A mineral element emerges on the finish. This is coming together nicely, but still needs time. (Mar 2015)"