2023 Masseto Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTE:

Massetino 2023’s bouquet is already very pleasant. The fresh and intoxicating red fruit accompanying the first sip clearly conveys the potential of this vintage. Merlot and Cabernet Franc merge on the palate, exalting the wine’s concentration. This Massetino reflects the characteristics of the vintage: juiciness and length persist throughout the tasting, ending with a slight tangy note. Merlot 91% Cabernet Franc 9%

TASTING NOTES:

‘The idea of Massetino is to create a more approachable wine,’ states winemaker, Gaia Cinnirella. And combined with the plump juiciness and aromatic appeal of 2023, this is incredibly enticing. Ripe dark berry scents mingle with damp earth, Mediterranean scrub and chocolatey nuances. It has a steely energy, coiled and bright, its vertical structure padded out by generous juicy, creamy red and black berries, and supported by fine-grained tannins. It's a bold expression this year, with a slightly drying woody finish that should resolve with time in the bottles, but it's countered by freshness and a really lovely line of acidity which runs through the body. Delicious!

- Decanter, 96 pts.

The 2023 Massetino, composed primarily of Merlot with 9% Cabernet Franc, pours a jeweled red hue and opens with an expressive bouquet of mint, eucalyptus, balsamic, dark chocolate, cedar, currant, and red berry fruit. Full-bodied, it is elegant and fresh, with a refined, floating texture and excellent finesse. Notes of red apple and sandalwood emerge on the palate, alongside a subtle Mediterranean, savory quality. The tannins show a chalky depth, and the finish is long and balanced. Aged for 12 months in 50% new and 50% second passage barrique, followed by four months in concrete, it offers more breadth and richness compared to the more vertical profile of Masseto, while coming impressively close in overall quality.

- Jeb Dunnuck, 96 pts

The Masseto 2023 Massetino is a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc and confirms the growing confidence and individuality of this blend. The 2023 harvest was not easy because of mildew pressure. The Merlot was picked after periods of rain, with Cabernet Franc playing a compensating role, yet the result is very positive, offering bright spiciness and layered mineral tones of graphite smoke and crushed stone. Grown on a mix of blue clay and reddish marine-derived soils rich in fossils and sodium, the vineyards benefit from cool, water-retentive clays that help the vines cope with heat stress. Chalky notes add freshness on the finish, and the overall impression is one of depth, brightness and savory precision. Though often described as a "second wine" after Masseto, Massetino has achieved notable success by proving it has a distinct identity.

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 pts.

A dark, super-intense, rich and complex wine. On the nose it shows restrained bramble fruit, vanilla, cloves, eucalyptus and leather. Lots of graphite on the palate, with firm, velvety tannins, chocolate flavors, refreshing acidity and a chalky, oaky finish. Drink or hold.

- James Suckling, 95 pts.

Lush and well-marked by toasty oak, this red displays plum, blackberry, leather, vanilla and salt flavors. A dense matrix of tannins lends support as this extends on the lightly chewy finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2033.

- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.