Masseto, Masseto 2014

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

Tasted as an unfinished wine, the 2014 Masseto awards many big surprises. One of the overriding themes of my visit to Bolgheri this year focused on how beautifully the 2014 vintage has been interpreted despite the challenges of the cold and wet growing season. Perhaps no other wine convinces me that great wines can be achieved in the "annate minori" (the lesser vintages) than Masseto. Obviously, mother nature's shortcomings are compensated many times over by intelligent choices and extra hard work in both the vineyard and the winery. I would expect nothing less of Masseto. The wine expresses the best side of the vintage with harmonious concentration and a steady stream of fruit and spice aromas that show seamlessly integrated intensity. Subtle complexity at the back promises great things for the future evolution of the wine. Perhaps the finish is just a hair shorter in 2014. Otherwise, my general feeling is that this wine will continue to flesh out and expand before its release in 2017. You would be absolutely incorrect to assume that 2014 is a weak link in the stunning catalogue of Masseto's recent releases.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

The 2014 Masseto has developed beautifully over the past few years of its oak and bottle evolution. This is a very distinctive edition of the iconic Italian Merlot that delivers a silky and streamlined approach. As bold and opulent as Masseto is in the warm vintages, I personally find those wines difficult to finish because the extract, concentration and intensity are so over the top. The best vintages of Masseto usually overpower any food dish you put before them. This is a subdued and downplayed expression instead. The cool summer season has shaped fresh berry notes of wild blackberry and cassis with drying mineral, tobacco, licorice and tar. There is evident sweetness here in terms of the wine's fruit flavors and its tannins, but there also is a cooling vein of acidity that makes the difference. The alcohol feels integrated and light. If you are hankering for a less massive and less muscular Masseto, this vintage is for you.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Masseto continues to develop into a very pretty wine. Silky, medium in body and gracious, the 2014 is all about understatement. Each time I taste it, I uncover a new layer of dimension and nuance I did not see before. I expect the 2014 will develop along the lines of the 2005 and 2002, both wines from very cool, late-ripening years. This is the best showing yet for the 2014. This very challenging cool, rainy growing season is also the longest harvest at Masseto. Picking started on September 5 and wrapped up more than a month later, on October 7.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Masseto has taken quite a bit of time to start to emerge. In that sense, it reminds me a bit of the 2008, another wine that took several years to be the least bit pleasurable. Masseto has a tremendous track record of aging, especially in cooler years. I think that will be the same here. Its best showing was at a recent complete vertical, where it was terrific, even in the company of all the truly great Massetos. Readers should expect a mid-weight, nervous, distinctly savory Masseto in 2014.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Masseto continues to develop into a very pretty wine. Silky, medium in body and gracious, the 2014 is all about understatement. Each time I taste it, I uncover a new layer of dimension and nuance I did not see before. I expect the 2014 will develop along the lines of the 2005 and 2002, both wines from very cool, late-ripening years. This is the best showing yet for the 2014. This very challenging cool, rainy growing season is also the longest harvest at Masseto. Picking started on September 5 and wrapped up more than a month later, on October 7.

james_suckling97

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Beautiful aromas of violets and blackberry with hints of spice. Some sweet tobacco. Full body, yet refined and polished with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. The texture and intensity are exceptional. Fantastic for the vintage. Drink in 2021 but a joy to taste.