This is the top-shelf wine from Mariacristina Oddero and her family. The 2016 Barolo Riserva Vignarionda is magnificent on all fronts. I am especially struck by the bouquet that delivers never-ending nuances with playful menthol tones, fresh violet and licorice that frame elegant forest berry and blood orange. The aromas offer beautiful energy and brightness. The wine is absolutely fine on the palate with delicately drying tannin and a very long and silky texture. It shows a solid, firm quality that bodes well for its future evolution. The mouthfeel is lightweight but enduring. Fruit comes from an excellent south-facing site in Serralunga d’Alba at 360 meters in elevation. Mariacristina is joined by her children in the winery, and they prefer to age in large Austrian oak casks for 24 months before putting the wine in cement before it goes into glass. Finding one of the 3,500 bottles made is worth the effort. Monica Larner, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda brings together all the best this site and vintage have to offer. Towering and statuesque in its presence, the 2016 is all pedigree. Dark cherry, lavender, licorice, violet, spice and graphite all soar from the glass. Medium in body, with gorgeous inner perfume and structure to burn, the 2016 is lights out. I love the complexity, nuance and energy here. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Region: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo

Critic Rating: Robert Parker Wine Advocate 100 Points, Vinous 97 Points

Suggested Drink Window: 2025 - 2055