Wine Advisor
Masseto, Masseto 2009
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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 thread of potent, warm-vintage Massetos continues with the 2009. Dense, opulent and unctuous to its core, the 2009 is a decidedly flamboyant wine with huge fruit density and equally big tannins. Black plum, bittersweet chocolate, menthol and dark spices all build with time in the glass. The 2009 is not at all subtle, but it is pretty delicious. Warm, dry weather, with narrow diurnal shifts, resulted in a harvest that took place over 8 days, from September 2 to 10.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
Good full ruby. Superripe, pure aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, minerals, milk chocolate and exotic spices. Superconcentrated, rich and seamless, offering explosive sweetness but also great verve, thanks to bright acidity that provides wonderful lift and clarity to the blackberry, blueberry and black cherry flavors. Finishes with ultra-suave tannins and a kaleidoscope of violet and Oriental spice flavors. A very great Masseto from a hot year, when I would have expected the merlot to suffer a bit. But unlike in 2003, when it wasn't just hot but dry as well, Masseto's unique microclimate allowed the merlot to avoid major stress in 2009. As good and refined as the Ornellaia is in 2009, I think the Masseto has an extra layer of complexity and depth.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Masseto bursts from the glass with dark red berries, blackberries, flowers, licorice and tar. It shows lovely up-front juiciness and expressive inner perfume in a surprisingly accessible style for this wine. Like the Ornellaia, the 2009 Masseto has quite a bit of freshness, although it, too, is medium-bodied in structure. In this vintage the Ornellaia team was especially selective and only used part of the three vineyards that typically go into Masseto. I have been fortunate to taste every vintage of Masseto, most more than once recently. Masseto has a great track record for aging, even in the smallest, least promising of vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. The 2009 vintage was not easy at Tenuta dell’Ornellaia because of the scorching hot summer. Readers may want to take a look at my video interview with Axel Heinz for more on the 2009 vintage. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The thread of potent, warm-vintage Massetos continues with the 2009. Dense, opulent and unctuous to its core, the 2009 is a decidedly flamboyant wine with huge fruit density and equally big tannins. Black plum, bittersweet chocolate, menthol and dark spices all build with time in the glass. The 2009 is not at all subtle, but it is pretty delicious. Warm, dry weather, with narrow diurnal shifts, resulted in a harvest that took place over 8 days, from September 2 to 10.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Sexy and muscular. Blackberries, licorice and tar on the nose. Bark, earth, and spice as well. Super subtle. Full-bodied, with super chewy tannins and a wonderful line. So beautiful. Creamy tannins. A baby 2001. Try in 2016.
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)1997(1)1998(3)1999(4)2000(1)2001(3)2002(5)2003(5)2004(8)2005(5)2006(7)2007(6)2008(9)
Package Size
1 x 1.5L1 x 15L
