Masseto, Masseto 2018

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

The 2018 Masseto is the vintage surprise few of us could have expected. The season saw rains just before harvest, and vintners were forced into dramatic last-minute decisions and risks. The expert team at Masseto navigated those challenges with deft precision in this first vintage executed in the new winery that is now fully dedicated and engineered to fulfill the expectations of this iconic Merlot from coastal Tuscany. The new gravity-flow building has angular concrete fermentors and an old-fashioned basket press. Dark fruit and ripe blackberry bleed slowly into spice, leather, chocolate and sweet tobacco. The wine shows generous extraction and concentration; however, it remains light and lifted throughout. Welcome Masseto into your new home.

vinous98

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Masseto is going to be an absolute thrill for readers who follow this iconic Bolgheri Merlot. Silky, mid-weight and supremely gracious, the 2018 reminds me of the 2004 in its aromatic intensity and classic, refined feel. Inky red/purplish fruit, cedar, lavender, espresso, sage and mint are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop with time in the glass. There is so much to like here. More than anything else, I am struck by how ripe and well balanced the tannins are, something that is rare for Masseto, especially in the early going, when the wine can be a bit burly.As was the case throughout Tuscany, the 2018 Masseto is the product of a cool year with a fair amount of rain in August. The 2018 was made from all of the key vineyard plots, minus the young vine replants. It is the first vintage made at the estate’s new winery, which is equipped with concrete fermenters that allow for more flexibility in extraction. Aging was 24 months in French oak, 100% new.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Masseto is silky, pliant and wonderfully expressive. Here, too, readers will find a wine of real sophistication, with less of the bombastic intensity of some previous editions. Blackberry jam, chocolate, leather, licorice and new leather all flesh out nicely in the glass. Masseto has an extraordinary track record of aging. In fact, some of the more reticent vintages end up being the most complex and satisfying to drink in time. That's where I think the 2018 is headed.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Masseto is silky, pliant and wonderfully expressive. Here, too, readers will find a wine of real sophistication, with less of the bombastic intensity of some previous editions. Blackberry jam, chocolate, leather, licorice and new leather all flesh out nicely in the glass. Masseto has an extraordinary track record of aging. In fact, some of the more reticent vintages end up being the most complex and satisfying to drink in time. That's where I think the 2018 is headed.

james_suckling97

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Super deep blueberries and blue fruit. Linear, long and energetic. A tight and beautiful merlot, in the mold of all great merlot, from Bolgheri to Bordeaux.

james_suckling98

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This is extremely perfumed with flowers, cherries and blackberries, as well as hints of lavender. It’s full-bodied, yet so refined, linear and racy. Pure silk. The texture is every so polished. Succulent and subtle fruit at the end. New wood showing now. A sophisticated Masseto that shows balance and harmony. Builds with tannins at the finish. Needs time to come completely together. Try after 2025.