Masseto - Toscana IGT 2011

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byMonica Larnerthe10/31/2014

From Italy’s most celebrated 7-hectare plot of Merlot, the 2011 Masseto is a wine of grand and lofty ambitions that happily materialize in the glass. This wine delivers on all the many promises it makes. First is the exceptional quality of the bouquet with seamless integration of dark fruit to spice, to chocolate, to Mediterranean herb. The aromas are presented in kaleidoscope effect so that many bright colors blend into one. Second, is the mouthfeel that is as supple, rich and persistent as you should expect of a wine of this pedigree. Lastly, is the wine’s aging potential that is already evident in terms of the integrated acidity and the richness of the tannins. In fact, the tannins are absolutely gorgeous here: They are silky, refined and delightful. It’s not the greatest Masseto ever made, but it performs beautifully nonetheless.

Vinous

94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe9/30/2014

Raspberry jam, white flowers, mint and spices flesh out in the 2011 Masseto. Ripe and flashy to the core, the 2011 saturates the palate with layers of expressive fruit. Having tasted the 2011 now several times, my sense is that this is a vintage in which blending grapes (a la Ornellaia) could have been a help. Then again, even the weakest vintages of Masseto have aged impeccably, so time will tell. Ultimately, though, I don't see the 2011 as one of the all-time great Massetos.

Wine Spectator

97 / 100

byBruce Sandersonthe7/16/2014

Opulent and expressive, opening with the coffee and vanilla aromas that lead to sweet plum and black cherry flavors. Leather, tobacco and iron notes contribute to the complexity. Lingers with a powerful, structured finish. Merlot. Best from 2017 through 2033.

Jamessuckling.com

100 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/16/2014

Wow. Fabulous aromas of currants, rosemary, mint and orange peel. Perfect nose. Full body with perfectly integrated tannins. It's long and incredible with tangerine, toasted-oak, berry, terracotta and chocolate flavors. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This needs at least five years to soften but so spellbinding now.

Vinous

94-96 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe8/21/2013

The estate's 2011 Masseto overtakes the senses with waves of fruit. A rich, super-ripe, jammy wine, the 2011 is explosive, full-bodied and intense from start to finish. It will be interesting to see how the 2011 develops once it goes into bottle, but my impression is that will always be a flashy, extroverted wine.