Masseto Massetino 2020
- Decanter
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
Product Details
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Decanter
The estate's second wine, Massetino is produced in even smaller quantities than the flagship Masseto. First produced in the 2017 vintage from younger vines now approaching 20 years old, with some plot selection too, it has always included a small proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend along with the Merlot. Massetino 2020 is a precise wine with beautifully aromatic plum and cherry scents supported by touches of damp earth and liquorice. In the mouth, soft, bright cherry and peppery spice are given definition by clean acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a long, floral and fresh finish. Gorgeous.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Masseto 2020 Massetino (Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc) is extremely generous and rich. This wine puts it all out there in full view with a bouquet that is stitched together with ripe blackberry and black cherry preserves, black stone or pencil shaving, sweet spice, cigar, smoke and tar. This was a warm and sunny vintage, and you feel the power of those sunbeams locked within the dark, opulent and concentrated fruit on display here. This is a special treat, and the 2020 edition offers a clear identity for Massetino. This vintage comes close to out-powering the bouquet of the 2019 Masseto also hitting the market now.
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James Suckling
Very floral and perfumed with red fruits and hints of sandalwood. Medium body, very fresh and fine yet open grained. Crisp and long. Hard not to drink now. But better in three or four years when it comes together. 97% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Massetino pours a rich ruby hue, with a perfume of crushed violets, ripe plum, lavender, and candied raspberry. It is full-bodied and has fresh acidity without any edginess. With notes of ripe red plum and pencil shavings, it reveals great length and an attractive flourish and lift of menthol. The tannin structure is youthful and ripe and will take several years to unwind to its full potential. Rating: 94+
Other Vintages
2021-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck - Decanter
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine &
Spirits -
James
Suckling - Decanter
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Wine
Spectator
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Robert
Parker
Where the Masseto vineyard now stands, there was once a coastal marsh centuries ago, over which clay deposits formed. The clay was covered by thick deposits of gravel, sand and rock fragments. This geologically diverse terroir is one reason Merlot thrives in the Masseto vineyard. Another contributor is the combination of Mediterranean sun and a gentle wind that keeps the temperatures moderate during the summer. Among the first people to realize the potential of the great terroir of the Masseto hill was the great Russian-American oenologist, André Tchelistcheff, who contributed to the conception of Masseto in the early 1980s. His vision is shared by the vineyard and winemaking staff who pay the utmost attention to every detail in the vineyard and winery.
From the beginning of the harvest to the release of Masseto, three intense years pass, marked by respect of nature and time, constant attention to detail and careful winemaking decisions that best express and respect Masseto's character. The objective for winemaker Axel Heinz is to express both the unmistakable personality of Masseto and the specific character of the vintage.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.