January 10, 2025
Masseto 2021 - 100-Points - "The 2021 Masseto is a stunner."
We have a small amount of one of the worlds best Merlot's available, Masseto 2021:
"A harmonious wine with well-integrated oak, this may be the best vintage of this cuvée that I have tasted to date." - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2021 Masseto is a stunner. [...] The 2021 is quite simply the most exquisite, refined young Masseto I have ever tasted. Aging was 24 months in 100% new French oak." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Masseto is celebrated for crafting one of Italy's finest Merlots, earning its place alongside legendary wines like Petrus and Le Pin. Situated in Bolgheri, this prestigious winery commands respect with its rarity and fervent global demand, ranking it among modern vinous icons.
The origins of Masseto trace back to the visionary move by Ornellai’s consultant André Tchelistcheff, who planted Merlot on a distinctive 7-hectare plot of blue clay in Bolgheri. This experimental vineyard produced such extraordinary results that it led to the birth of Masseto, focusing solely on crafting exquisite Merlot rather than the Cabernet blends typically associated with the region.
The winery’s unique terroir plays a pivotal role in the wine’s character. The blue clay not only provides a distinct mineral complexity but also maintains moisture balance, offering a perfect growing condition for Merlot. This results in a wine noted for its rich, nuanced flavours and an elegant structure that gracefully integrates strength and finesse.
2021 Masseto:
Doubled up with the fact that 2021 was a great vintage in Tuscany and that Masseto is one of those wines that never seems to disappoint, the 2021 release is one that impresses once again. Antonio Galloni of Vinous boldly declared that "The 2021 is quite simply the most exquisite, refined young Masseto I have ever tasted" whilst awarding it the perfect 100-point score.
Decanter was not too far behind with a 99-point score highlighting that "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."
We only have a small amount of bottles available at this price so grab them whilst you still can!
Masseto 2021 75cl
100 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
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. Drinking Window: 2027 - 2051
99 Points | Decanter, James Button
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.
98-100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted from barrel, the 2021 Masseto pours a youthful magenta hue and brings forward an inviting bouquet with some blue fruit coming through and more chocolate aromas as well with to me it is fresh with blackberry, and purple violet flowers. It boasts outstanding concentration and depth, with a plush, cushiony texture at this stage, incredible finesse and balance, and a wonderful mineral aroma of wet asphalt coming through. A harmonious wine with well-integrated oak, this may be the best vintage of this cuvée that I have tasted to date.
98 Points | James Suckling
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.