Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2016

99 points Falstaff: "Bright ruby red with a soft brightening on the rim. Notes of brown bread, mint, noble wood and light malt on the palate, then elderberries and cassis, plus some pepper on the aftertaste. Very polished and clear on the palate, opens with pithy tannins, grippy on the back, yet with fine sweetness, will be able to age indefinitely. Alcohol 14.5%. (10/7/22)"

98 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$416 list] Cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and menthol flavors highlight this supple red. There's plenty of backbone, and woodsy notes chime in, but this is more about the expressive berry fruit and elegant side of Barolo, ending with a terrific finish. Nonetheless, this will require several years for the tannins to be absorbed. To be released September 2022. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,000 cases made, 250 cases imported. (4/30/22)"

97 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$416 list] Packaged with a special black label, the Massolino 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is only released in the best vintages. Showing the power and the determination of Serralunga d'Alba, the wine is redolent of dried berry, lots of rusty earth and fragrant red rose. These are the typical aromas of this vineyard, and this wine presents them with impeccable integration. To the palate, this Riserva remains open-knit, tightly structured and broad in scope. This is an impressive production of 12,000 bottles. (Jun 2022)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is absolutely stunning. Deep and statuesque in bearing, the 2016 captivates all the senses from start to finish. A whole range of Rionda aromatics soars out of the glass. Silky and yet powerful, gracious and yet full of gravitas, the 2016 captures all the contrasts that make Barolo such an alluring wine. Rose petal, lavender, red/purplish fruit, spice and new leather lend striking nuance to this hypnotic Barolo from Massolino. Drink: 2028-2041. (Feb 2022)"

97 points James Suckling: "Tasting this Vigna Rionda is such a sensual experience, with the complexity you’d expect from the top-level Barolo, showing hints of iodine, dark mussels, walnuts, dark stones to the fleshy dark cherries and plums. Then it turns a little “bloody,” minty and tarry on the nose. “Dark” and full-bodied with a massive amount of small-grained tannins seamlessly knitting the fruit on the palate, driving it to a very long, mineral finish. Very tight and powerful now, yet seductively rich and full of flesh, too. Shows lots of potential ahead. Much better from 2025. It should hold well for the next 20+ years. (10/2/22)"

97 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$416 list] Rose, ripe black-skinned berry and dark spice aromas mingle with camphor and forest floor on this full-bodied red. Combining structure and finesse, the firm palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, black raspberry and licorice. Bright acidity keeps it energized. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2026–2046. Alcohol 14.5%. (Sep 2022)"