Le Sommelier Inc.

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Maturation: 2-4 years in medium-sized French oak casks, Then at least 2 years in bottle.

Suggested food: Great structure and elegance, this wine can be matched with red meat, stew meat and ripe cheese.

Best drinking: 2013 - 2023

Tasting notes / Review: Ruby color with garnet-red shades. Rich nose with a clear aroma, violet, spices, and red fruits with a constantly-evolving bouquet. Full, austere and elegant taste with a great structure, consistent with the olfactory sensations.

"The 2003 Barolo Vigna Rionda is the newest addition to the estate’s line-up. Barolo lovers are well aware that Vigna Rionda is one of the most legendary sites in wine, so a new label is sure to elicit a high level of interest. Roagna’s Vigna Rionda is made from the oldest and most historic part of the hill, the same plots that were the source of the most legendary Riondas made in the past. Roagna’s 2003 Barolo Vigna Rionda opens with the essence of rose petals followed by gorgeous layers of red cherries, baking spices, cocoa, leather, menthol and licorice. At once delicate and powerful, it captures the essence of this famed site with remarkable elegance considering the less-than-ideal quality of the vintage. The 2003 Rionda saw a shorter period of oak aging than is typical for the estate’s other Barolos and I can’t help thinking that has helped maintain an additional level of vibrancy here. This is a promising Barolo, and it will be fascinating to see what Roagna can do in less extreme vintages. For now, it is an auspicious debut. Barolo is never inexpensive, but this wine offers superb value for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023." 92 pts, Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate.