2001 - Masseto, Toscana

Clearly shows the ageing capacity of Masseo, as well as the sheer pleasure to be found. So easy to love, brambled, generous, earthy, concentrated, fleshy raspberry and blackberry fruits without excess. Oyster shell and gunsmoke, softening to still-warm embers. Just delicious. This is the moment to share this wine. When you go back to it after an hour in the glass, its nuances are even more evident. Long harvest spread over four weeks, 100% new oak ageing.

The 2001 Masseto is one of the all-time great wines here. Vertical and soaring in its intensity, the 2001 occupies all dimensions, especially texturally, where it is so rich, so heady and so compelling. Next to other wines, or other vintages, the 2001 just has more of everything. I imagine well-stored bottles will drink well for another 15-20 years. The 2001’s reputation as an iconic wine is clearly justified. This magical vintage was marked by cooling temperatures in September that resulted in a drawn out harvest that took four weeks to complete. Note: The bottle in the Nashville tasting was not perfect, so this note corresponds to a more recent and more representative example. I have seen more bottle variation with the 2001 than other vintages.