Here's a beautiful late release from Oddero. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vignarionda has been softened and chiseled down with time, and the mellow contours of the once-hard edges are coming out. The wine offers lots of dark and rich fruit, with dried blackberry, tar, leather and cured tobacco. There is a point of subtle sweetness on the close. All of these lovely sensations settle slowly onto the palate, imparting extra density and richness with each step. The 2012 vintage appeared monotone to me when I first tasted it upon its release years ago. A rare exception, this wine shows us that we can expect beautiful things from this vintage.

This is powerful and dense, with a hint of resin and spice framing cherry, eucalyptus, menthol and iron flavors. Its tannins are fine-grained and compact, leaving a resonant finish. Best from 2023 through 2040.