MASSETO 2019

Description

Aldo Fiodelli 99 points  www.decanter.com (at San Guido, Castagneto Carducci, 15 Jun 2022)
Masseto 2019 will be remembered as the first release with a bracing 10% of Cabernet Franc. Nevertheless, its poised wild fennel aroma with restrained bramble fruit, straw, graphite and balmy Mediterranean depth continues to finely represent the terroir of Bolgheri more than simply its grape varieties. The blue clay gives to the wine density – this year with a larger shoulder – grainy, ripe tannins and great fruit concentration sustained by enticing acidity and a sweet tobacco aftertaste. A sleek wine chiselled to perfection. It will keep going strong for decades.

Monica Larner 98 points www.robertparker.com
This bottle opens a new chapter for one of Italy’s most celebrated and collected wines. The first vintage made entirely in its dedicated state-of-the-art winery (and the first vintage with a 10% dabble of Cabernet Franc added to what has historically aways been a pure expression of Merlot), the Masseto 2019 Masseto has two main themes at heart: concentration and elegance. And managing those two seemingly contrasting elements requires a little bit of magic. That’s the Masseto magic we look for. The 2019 vintage delivers it in spades with lovely concentrated fruit, blackberry, integrated spice, tobacco, crushed slate, pencil shaving and lots of texture and fiber to push a lasting mouthfeel. The wine’s richness translates into density and power to the palate, meanwhile the bouquet reveals fluidity and new sides as the wine opens in the glass. The finish is tapered and focused.

Antonio Galloni 98+ www.vinous.com
The 2019 Masseto is fabulous. Silky, gracious and super-refined, the 2019 is a total knock-out. So often Masseto is a powerhouse at this stage, but the 2019 is so elegant, so precise. This is the first year that includes Cabernet Franc, 10% in this case. I can’t say I am at all surprised given how much Franc has added to Massetino. Red berry fruit, mocha, cinnamon and blood orange lend freshness throughout. The 2019 has just been bottle, so it’s early. But there certainly appears to be a lot to look forward to. (Originally Published in March 2022)

Georgina Hindle 97 points  www.decanter.com (at Bordeaux, 05 Jul 2022)
Savoury notes on the nose, woodland fragrances, cedar, tobacco, blackcurrant and violets. Lovely fresh acidity fills the mouth, lifting the slightly grippy tannins and ripe cherry and plum fruit. Tannins are mouthcoating but fine, supportive and they have a nice feel giving structure to the overall feel. I like the texture here, the wine feels well worked with nothing sticking out. It’s perhaps a little sombre and not so overtly vibrant right now with stand out dark chocolate, mint and liquorice elements but there is elegance here despite the power and concentration and the wine feels extremely well made. Malolactic fermentation began in 100% new oak barriques with all the individual lots kept separate for the first 12 months of ageing before being blended and aged for another 12 months in barrel. The wine was then aged for a final 12 months in bottle before being released.