Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2019

98 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The impressive 2019 Vigna Rionda Riserva from Massolino captivates with its combination of structure, intensity and elegance. It opens with classic Barolo aromas of red berry, wild rose, dark spice, leather and a balsamic whiff of camphor that on the composed, full-bodied palate segue into more defined sensations of crushed raspberry, cranberry, licorice and tobacco. Showing the nuance of this extraordinary vintage, it’s still youthfully austere, with a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity that lends youthful tension. This is one I’d love to try again in ten years or so. Drink 2034–2049. Abv: 14.5%. (Jan 2025)"

98 points Ian D'Agata Wine Review: "Bright red. Deep and very complex aromas and flavours of red cherry, licorice, saltpeter, sassafrass, minty herbs, coriander and cumin. Boasts a lovely tannic frame and outstanding acid/tannin balance with its juicy acid cut nicely extending the flavours on the rising savoury finish. Knockout wine from Massolino that boasts considerable charm for a 2019 Barolo (and a Riserva, no less). Very, very well done. Drinking window: 2028-2040. (May 2025)"

97 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "From the first parcel acquired in 1956 to subsequent purchases in 1967, 1986 and 1990, Massolino is now the largest landowner in Vignarionda, with approximately 3.5ha. It is bottled separately only as a Riserva – and not every vintage. The 2019 demonstrates the cool, elegant character of the vintage. It starts with subtle spicy snaps of pepper and sage against a rhubarb background. Eventually, flint and garden rose come to the fore. The palate is like biting into a perfectly ripe pomegranate with a crunch of the seeds, tartness of juice and cleansing tannins. Beautifully sculpted with toned muscles and proper thrilling grip, a sophisticated bottling packing nothing extraneous. Drinking window 2026-2041 (Jan 2025)"

97 points James Suckling: "A slightly old-fashioned and aromatic wine with notes of coffee grounds, leather, prunes and licorice. The attack is lush, with a full body, velvety condensed tannins, refreshing acidity and intoxicating prunes and umami in the dusty finish. Poised and balanced despite its structure. Try from 2026. (1/10/25)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a wine of elegance and poise. Given the style of the year, I expected a more austere young Rionda. Today, it surprises with its relatively open-knit personality. There's plenty of depth and structure, but the 2019 is neither austere nor forbidding. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, white pepper and mint build nicely as this shows off its charms. Drink: 2024-2034. (Jan 2025)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Pouring a deeper ruby color, the 2019 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is compelling and layered on the nose with brooding notes of black licorice, black cherries, polished leather, dried orange, and cigar box. It fills the palate with a full-bodied richness and plush tannins, although it doesn’t feel heavy. It’s a more contemplative wine and is built to last over the coming 20 or more years. Drink 2025-2045 (May 2025)"