2018 Ornellaia Massetino

Here's our new little super star from the Tuscan Coast. The 2018 Massetino is Merlot with a dash of Cabernet Franc that makes all the difference in terms of the wine's aromatic precision and its overall staying power. Dark fruit and dried blackberry are followed by exotic spice and campfire ash. The aromas are fluid and relaxed, flowing seamlessly in unison and grace. If you love Masseto, you can't miss the Massetino. This wine offers a whole new take on the world-famous Merlot, and if we are to be honest, it paints a path to where future vintages of Masseto are going as an expression of a vineyard and territory rather than just a strict read of one grape.

The 2018 Massetino, here in its second release, picks up where the 2017 left off. Let’s start with what is plainly obvious. Massetino, the second wine of Masseto, is more complex and nuanced than most flagship wines in Tuscany’s Maremma. The 2018 beautifully balances energy, aromatic depth and fruit intensity. Mocha, cedar, leather, licorice and blackberry jam all run through the 2018, infusing it with notable complexity. The purity of the fruit is just striking. Once again, the Franc is such a strong and distinctive marker. I loved it. The 2018 spent 15 months in oak and a month in tank prior to bottling.

The first vintage to be sold through the Bordeaux Place. 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. One of the wettest springs in Masseto’s history, with high temperatures in April. Rapid growth led to advanced flowering and progression in the vines, creating disease pressure. A warm and slightly wet August gave more moderate alcohols and larger berry sizes than normal. Deep ruby. Quite earthy, with immediate ripe red-berry fruit on the nose. Very plummy with just a hint of creaminess. Rich fruit on the palate, but soft in tannin. Perfect for a 'second wine', with that fleshy cherry fruit and a hint of chocolate. A little warm on the back end. A spherical, approachable but long wine. (TP)