The 2009 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva burst from the glass with enormous confidence and personality. Nothing is understated here or otherwise hidden from view. This Riserva immediately puts its best assets forward with dark fruit nuances that are woven tight with veins of exotic spice and crushed mineral. The wine also reveals lovely aged characteristics of licorice, dried tobacco and balsam herb. The 2009 vintage is slightly broader and flatter compared to 2007 and 2006.