For the first nine harvests in production

all the fruit was diverted to the Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco instead

This is a vintage where managing the crop load was critical in achieving balance

gently whole-bunch-pressed and aged in 40% new French oak for 10 months

the 2016 is flat-out stunning

Roagna, Barolo Vigna Rionda other_regions_australia For the first nine harvestsRoagna's 2003 Barolo Vigna Rionda is quite pretty today. Crushed rose petals, anise, wild flowers, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass. The Rionda hallmarks specifically, the intensely perfumed fruit are all present but are seen through the lens of a very hot vintage that has robbed the wine of some freshness. Although the tannins are quite firm, the 2003 is best enjoyed over the next handful of years, while the fruit retains some