2011 Masseto, Toscana IGT 1x750ml

Vinous 93

Deep purple-tinged ruby.  Sexy aromas of violet, licorice, truffle and earth, complicated by vanilla and coffee nuances.  Densely packed and tightly wound but not at all hard in spite of its rather sharp, chewy tannins. The fleshy black fruit, cocoa and coffee flavors are extremely ripe. This full-bodied, very rich wine finishes firm and long, with some telltale hints of a hot vintage (slightly tough tannins and almost port-like fruit).  Though Masseto is a great wine most years and is still outstanding in 2011, hot vintages are not its strong suit as merlot suffers greatly in such conditions. This Masseto is a solid example of what is perhaps the greatest merlot wine made outside Pomerol but is nowhere near the level of great Masseto vintages like 2001 and 2004. [Ian D’Agata, 01/12/2014]

Robert Parker 95

From Italy’s most celebrated 7-hectare plot of Merlot, the 2011 Masseto is a wine of grand and lofty ambitions that happily materialize in the glass. This wine delivers on all the many promises it makes. First is the exceptional quality of the bouquet with seamless integration of dark fruit to spice, to chocolate, to Mediterranean herb. The aromas are presented in kaleidoscope effect so that many bright colors blend into one. Second, is the mouthfeel that is as supple, rich and persistent as you should expect of a wine of this pedigree. Lastly, is the wine’s aging potential that is already evident in terms of the integrated acidity and the richness of the tannins. In fact, the tannins are absolutely gorgeous here: They are silky, refined and delightful. It’s not the greatest Masseto ever made, but it performs beautifully nonetheless. [Monica Larner, 09/05/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035