-
100
/ 100
Vinous -
99
/ 100
Wine Spectator -
99
/ 100
Decanter -
98
/ 100
James Suckling
Red
Classification
Merlot
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Italy
Country
Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Region
13.1%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
100 / 100"The 2021 Masseto is a stunner. It also shows how much the estate has evolved in recent years. I was reminded of that recently when I drank the 2001, considered by many observers, including this one, to be one of the greatest wines ever made here. The 2021 represents a move towards a more refined style. There's less of the bombastic intensity and extraction that were once the norm here. I remember young vintages that were impossible to taste young. The 2021, on the other hand, is an absolute delight. Crushed flowers, spice, blood orange and bright, red-toned fruit all grace the palate. Floral aromatics and saline underpinnings are at times reminiscent of the Cabernet Franc found in the 2019 and 2020, but the 2021 is back to the classic 100% Merlot. Readers will find a Masseto built on linear energy more than volume. The 2021 is quite simply the most exquisite, refined young Masseto I have ever tasted. Aging was 24 months in 100% new French oak."
- Vinous
99 / 100
"Plum and blackberry flavours are wrapped in an embrace of toasted oak, with vanilla, resin and iron accents. Dense tannins coat the gums, while bright acidity keeps the focus and drives the spice-infused finish. Fluid and long, this silky red is all about finesse. A superb success in a great vintage. Merlot. Best from 2027 to 2047."
- Wine Spectator
99 / 100
"In 2021, Masseto returns to its original 100% Merlot concept, following two years which saw the inclusion of 15% Cabernet Franc. Following a mild and wet winter, spring was dry and the summer was characterised by higher than average temperatures and periods of drought. Luckily, the vines were quenched by the water reserves built up at the beginning of the year. Masseto 2021 really has everything: it's vertical in shape and saline in character, with succulence of fruit, freshness of profile and finesse of tannins. Mediterranean herbs accompany ripe dark fruit scents and flavours which are yet to reveal all their depth and charm."
- Decanter
98 / 100
"Blueberries and black olives with violets and hints of sage, as well as rosemary flowers. Full and powerful with lots of fruit and vanilla on the palate. A rich and flavorful red, yet held together beautifully. Muscular and powerful. Needs five or six years to come together. Give it time."
- James Suckling
Tasting Notes
Masseto 2021
This is one of the most famous Super Tuscan wines and is produced by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. Masseto was launched for the first time in 1984, with production totalling around 35,000 bottles a year.
Vineyard: The bunches are selected in the vineyard, with the berries then sorted after destemming. Fermentation took place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts at temperatures of around 25-28°C, with pumping over two or three times a day and destages when necessary. The total time spent in the vats ranged from 21 to 28 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in 100% new oak barrels, keeping the various batches separate during the first 12 months of ageing. The wines were then blended and returned to the barrels for a further year, totalling 24 months.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity