Wine Advisor
Masseto, Masseto 1997
View analysis
Description
To open a bottle, is to unleash a liquid kaleidoscope. A rare combination of sumptuous opulence and polished elegance. As a tribute to its rugged force, its softness, and the debt it owes to the soil from which it rises, Masseto was named after the rock-hard clusters of blue clay called ‘massi’ that form on the vineyard’s surface.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 1997 Masseto is another very beautiful and expressive wine in this flight. Hints of cedar, sweet spice, tobacco and smoke are all suggestive of a wine that is hitting its plateau of maturity. The 1997 has enough depth to drink well for another decade or more. Today, it is especially silky and expressive, not to mention supremely delicious. Nineteen ninety-seven was a warm, early-ripening year marked by a frost in April and lower-than-normal yields.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Soft contours and layers of plush fruit give the 1997 Masseto much of its personality and feel. A rush of juicy red cherry and pomegranate appear first, followed by more subtle notes that develop over time. At nearly twenty years of age, the 1997 is peaking, yet it also has enough depth to drink well for another decade or more.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The estate's 1997 Masseto has developed beautifully over the last few years. It offers a heady combination of super-ripe fruit intermingled with notes of spices, herbs and tobacco. Full-bodied and vibrant, it comes across as packed with fruit, displaying superb length and a long finish framed by the lingering note of sweetness that defines this warm vintage. Despite its open, luxurious personality, there is plenty of structure underneath to support at least another decade of aging.
Reviewed by: Daniel Thomases
Deep blackish-ruby. Focused, penetrating aromas of caramel, chocolate, plum and vanilla. Round and caressing on the palate, sweet and silky; flavors of plum and raspberry. Offers lovely texture and volume on the back half. Very elegant and very long, finishing with classy tannins.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The estate's 1997 Masseto has developed beautifully over the last few years. It offers a heady combination of super-ripe fruit intermingled with notes of spices, herbs and tobacco. Full-bodied and vibrant, it comes across as packed with fruit, displaying superb length and a long finish framed by the lingering note of sweetness that defines this warm vintage. Despite its open, luxurious personality, there is plenty of structure underneath to support at least another decade of aging.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is the first legendary Masseto. It shows a tangy and exciting character on the palate with dried berry and strawberry character. Fabulous and energetic acidity with firm tannins. Just coming around now. Decant two hours in advance. Drink or hold.
About the Producer
For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscany’s terroir, being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region. The Masseto hill is a special place, both a revelation and a mystery. This is where terroir victoriously transcends the grape varieties and where the blue clays of the Pliocene Era tell their ancient story. Millions of years ago a deep marine substrate was deposited which transformed gradually into blue clay that came to the surface on this hill after thousands of years of erosion. The shells and fossils found imbedded in the clays are testimony to this. With a heart as hard as stone and yet with an intriguing fragility, the clay knows just how to adjust to its environment & climate. This contrast is reflected in the intense power and silky elegance to be found in Masseto.
1992(2)1994(1)1995(2)1996(2)
Package Size
