Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - Masseto Toscana IGT 2022 (Magnum)

The Masseto journey began in 1984 when Lodovico Antinori planted the first vines in the Masseto vineyard. Inspired by his cousin and the renowned work at Sassicaia, Antinori founded Tenuta dell'Ornellaia with a singular goal: to produce world-class Bordeaux-style blends nurtured by Tuscany's renowned terroir. Over time, Masseto evolved and gained independence from the Ornellaia estate, though it is still crafted by the same winemaker and was originally conceived as the estate's "second wine." But it didn't take long for Masseto to outshine Ornellaia's namesake wine, ascending to the pinnacle of the estate's offerings.

The vineyard's true potential was first recognized by the world-renowned wine consultant Andre Tchelistcheff. He recognized that the blue-clay soils were perfect for Merlot production, akin to the revered vineyards of Petrus. Although Merlot was a rarity in Tuscan vineyards at the time, Tchelistcheff's guidance prompted Antinori to plant the vines that would eventually yield one of the world's most sought-after wines.

“This vintage of the 2022 Masseto is 100% Merlot. The nose is pronounced, leading with its mineral aromas of crushed dark stones. It smells like dissolved minerals, delicate peppery accents, black plum, red apples, lavender perfume, and sage. The aromatics are quite profound in this vintage, and on the palate, it’s full-bodied and more structured, with ripe tannins and a good deal of depth and richness, with the minerality shining through. Long on the palate, it’s generous all the way through, and while it feels approachable upfront, more structure comes through on the finish. Allow it some time in cellar and drink 2028-2058.” - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

“The summer was so arid in 2022 that the vines shut down and ripening was halted until mid-August rains arrived. This helped to preserve acidity in the grapes, giving sensational freshness to balance the rich and finely structured palate. Masseto 2022, then, combines the best of both worlds: fruit ripeness and concentration, and freshness and poise. It's not as immediately seductive as the 2021, but there is so much potential in this long-lived vintage. Scents of cool, damp earth, dark hedgerow berries, Mediterranean scrub, and cocoa and wood give a sense of what is to come once time has untangled everything. Zingy, crunchy acidity steals the show early on, segueing into a mouthful of succulent yet dense dark berries and spice imbued with plenty of energy. Then some balsamic herbs and floral notes lighten the palate, before a touch of salinity and some bitter herbs emerge on the finish, with a refrain of bright cherry. Something special.” - 98 Points, Decanter

“A solid and structured red with blackcurrant, chocolate and walnut aromas and underlying toasted wood. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a chewy, savory finish. Hints of coconut and toasted oak. It’s muscular and toned. It needs time to soften. Best after 2028.” - 97 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Merlot

Appellation: Toscana IGT 

Vintage: 2022

Size: 1.5L