2019 Masseto, Toscana IGT, Tuscany - 750ml

99 Points – James Suckling

Masseto stands among Italy’s most collectible wines, produced from its namesake vineyard on the Tuscan coast and defined by the clay-rich soils that have made Merlot the estate’s signature variety. The 2019 marks an important evolution in the wine’s history, introducing a small portion of Cabernet Franc while retaining the concentration, velvety texture and remarkable refinement for which Masseto is known.

Blend: Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc.

Tasting Notes: Ripe black cherry and blackberry are layered with violet, licorice and dark chocolate, followed by graphite, tobacco, Mediterranean herbs and subtle spice. The palate is dense and expansive yet remarkably controlled, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in polished tannins and carried through a long, fresh and mineral-inflected finish.

Structure: Full-bodied and powerful, with considerable density balanced by fresh acidity and exceptionally refined tannins. Twenty-four months in barrique give the wine additional breadth and structure, but the defining impression is one of concentration held in precise balance rather than simple richness.

Drink Window: 2027–2050+. The 2019 remains youthful and structured, and patience will allow its formidable concentration and tannins to develop greater aromatic and savory complexity. Properly stored bottles should have several decades of evolution ahead.

Decanting: If opening now, give the wine approximately two hours in a decanter, tasting periodically as it develops. Its youth and concentration warrant substantial aeration; serve around 60–64°F in a generous Bordeaux-style glass.

The 2019 Masseto combines genuine collector significance with the substance for long-term cellaring, particularly as the first vintage to incorporate Cabernet Franc and the first produced entirely in Masseto’s dedicated winery. It is a natural choice for a significant cellar, milestone dinner or gift, with enough stature to command the table alongside simply prepared prime beef, lamb or game.