Oddero Vigna Rionda Barolo Riserva 2017

Decanter: 98 Points

Maria Cristina Oddero owns 0.7ha in Vigna rionda, one of the best MGAs in all of the Barolo denomination. The vines were planted in 1972, 1983 and 2007. This cru was not produced in the hot 2003 or the cool 1992, 1994 and 2002 vintages; it tends to suffer less in the hotter years, such as 2017. Aged in Austrian oak vessels for 40 months, the wine shines for its typical Vigna rionda aromas of cinnamon, wild strawberry and watermelon, with earthy depth reminiscent of white truffle. The attack is firm, as expected from Serra lunga, with incredible fruit concentration, weight and freshness. This powerful style is not lacking in grace, due to ripe, refined and condensed tannins, and a savoury finish.