ROAGNA BAROLO VIGNA RIONDA 2003

Stock#: 62382 MSRP: $60.00  Your Price: $52.41 Please note: all prices listed are net (case price) and not subject to further discounts, unless otherwise noted. All inventory on our website is in REAL-TIME. Please click on the banner to be re-directed to our website if you wish to check on available quantities for each wine listed. Roagna is a great Barbaresco producer that some may not be familiar with but surely deserves your attention. For those not familiar with the Barolo "Crus", Vigna Rionda is one that Bruno Giacosa's fans will surely recognize (1989 and 1990 are true legends). While there are many owners of Vigna Rionda, this cru was the source of some of the most heart-stopping Barolos from Bruno Giacosa until his last vintage there in 1993. The site combines power and classic Barolo structure with an aromatic complexity of improbable dimension for nebbiolo… one might say it’s the “La Tache of Barolo.” The wine is from a parcel of 40-60 year old vines in the steepest, most favorable section of the vineyard and received a traditional vinification - 30 days on the skins, cappello sommerso, four years in botti - from the vineyard's owner. Although it is a 2003, according to Luca, the grapes from these old vines were harvested in early October, well after the big heat of August and early September, so the effect of the vintage was significantly reduced. There is some forward fruit, though no shortage of power and density, and a good underpinning of structure to balance the fruit, ripe tannins as opposed to the hard, underripe ones that plagued many earlier-picked Barolos in 2003. And, let’s not forget, that kaleidoscopic aroma of Vigna Rionda...! "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 points Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate) Click Here to view all Products in our ITALY Category