2019 MASSETINO Masseto, Lea & Sandeman

MASSETINO

2019 Masseto

Grapes Merlot
Colour Red
Origin Italy, Tuscany
District Maremma
ABV 13%

A sculpted but intense Masseto, with a powerful creep through the palate of liqourice, chocolate, espresso, cocoa, turmeric and smoked vanilla bean. Stunningly rich in texture and concentration, but captures the freshness of eucalypytus, raspberry leaf and crushed mint. 100% new oak, confident, with a velvety punch of flavour from beginning to end. An interesting vintage in tems of the wider conversation around grapes and climate also, as a touch of Cabernet Franc is included for the first time for added grip, from a plot within the vineyard that was planted back in 2002. They expect this percentage to rise over the coming years, begging the question of whether bottles of the old style Masseto will become a time capsule of when Merlot was possible in Bolgerhi? All the more reason to savour it now. 12 months in bottle following the barrel ageing. Director Axel Heinz, winemaker Eleonora Marconi. 100% new oak. Drinking range: 2023 - 2040 Rating: 99 Jane Anson, Decanter (Aug 2022)


Alternatively, we may well have some bottles in one of our shops - why not give us a call on 0207 244 0522 or send an email to: sales@leaandsandeman.co.uk.

Or, check the RELATED PRODUCTS below for different vintages or wines of a similar style.


The 2019 Masseto is fabulous. Silky, gracious and super-refined, the 2019 is a total knock-out. So often Masseto is a powerhouse at this stage, but the 2019 is so elegant, so precise. This is the first year that includes Cabernet Franc, 10% in this case. I can’t say I am at all surprised given how much Franc has added to Massetino. Red berry fruit, mocha, cinnamon and blood orange lend freshness throughout. The 2019 has just been bottle, so it's early. But there certainly appears to be a lot to look forward to. (Originally Published in March 2022) Drinking range: 2029 - 2049 Rating: 98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jul 2022)

Plum aromatics are immediately plump and enticing. This is polished and intense, liquorice root dipped in damsons and rich chocolate, you feel the generosity and the power of the site. This vintage was a little cooler overall than the 2018, and the longer ripening perhaps helped give this concentrated character. This is significantly more nuanced than the 2018 Massetino, and is one to look out for. Natural yeast fermentation, 50% new oak. Drinking range: 2023 - 2032 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (Dec 2021)

Here's a plush, opulent, in-your-face kind of red, without being over the top. Toasty blackberry, black cherry and plum aromas and flavors ply the center, graced by leather, earth and tobacco accents. Dense, yet finishes long and light on its feet. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2033. Drinking range: 2023 - 2033 Rating: 93 Bruce Sanderson, The Wine Spectator (Oct 2021)

Masseto

Originally Masseto was a part of the larger vineyard of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, but in 1986 it was decided to vinify the plots of Merlot on this seven hectare hillside site separately as it was thought they showed promise. By this chance was born one of the modern icons of the world of wine. The hillside has pebbly clay and sand at the top, which give elegance. In the mid-slope (a 10% gradient) the soil is grey clay, which gives the wine it's structural core, while the bottom part of the vineyard with less clay gives a generous warmth and richness. The wine is 100% Merlot, and is aged in barrel for two years, before a further year in bottle prior to release. Although Axel Heinz remains in charge of winemaking in both properties, Masseto is now considered separate from Ornellaia, and will have its own winery from 2018. Masseto is owned by the Frescobaldi family.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
  • For full delivery details see our Delivery page.
  • We offer free nationwide* delivery for all orders over £150 with our own vans. We also offer an express delivery service for an additional charge.
  • Order & Collect from any of our 5 London shops. Order by Midnight for collection the next working day from 11am.
  • Private wine storage: we offer a full In Bond and Duty Paid private wine storage service - find out more here.

RELATED PRODUCTS

ORDER     COLLECT

ORDER ONLINE AND COLLECT FROM ONE OF OUR SHOPS