1995 Masseto

A lovely expression of fully mature, 26 year old Merlot, where black truffles abound. The first vintage of Masseto was in 1987, so at this point the vines were just over 10 years old. The tannins are gentle, with density through the mid palate but set against softened stewed blackberry and raspberry fruit, touches of balsamic and soy. Campfire smoke on the finish, this is ready to drink, and is very much in its tertiary phase. The winemaking at the time was more inspired by Bordeaux than it is today (meaning higher temperature and more charged extraction, among other details), so this really is a fascinating wine in the vertical to understand how the personality has changed. 100% new oak.

The 1995 Masseto is a gorgeous wine. Sexy and nuanced, the 1995 is a pure and total pleasure. It doesn’t have the richness of some years or the freshness of others, and yet its balance is just impeccable. Floral aromatics and mid-weight structure add to its gracious personality. This is a fine showing from the 1995. The only thing better is the 1995 from magnum.

Time has also been kind to the 1995 Masseto. Still quite rich, deep and pliant, the 1995 offers up a compelling fabric of sweet dark cherry, plum, licorice and mocha. Now gently softened by the slow passage of the years, the 1995 is mature but also has enough depth to drink well for another decade or so.