- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
RP
98
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The massive 2001 Masseto forms with Le Macchiole’s Messorio and Tua Rita’s Redigaffi a trio of world class Merlots in a ten square mile area where the variety virtually did not exist 15 years ago. The volume, richness, and sumptuousness are almost beyond description, as are the length and density of the flow and finish, but there is an underlying vein of purity and freshness which help maintain an impeccable balance. Reviewed by Daniel Thomases. Issue date: April 2006. Drinking window: 2006 - 2025.
V
98
Vinous
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. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni. Issue date: January 2018. Drinking window: 2018 - 2033.
2001 Masseto Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
Winter was milder than the norm and rain above average: this brought about an early budbreak, between the end of March and the beginning of April.
A spring characterized by abundant rainfall and average temperature favoured the Merlot, which flowered around the middle of May. Fruit set was good, with grape size larger than the norm.
Summer temperatures were within average with very little rain. During September, temperatures were slightly below average, and this allowed for the berries to achieve a slow and complete ripening of polyphenols.
The harvest started at the beginning of September and was completed about four weeks later. Grape conditions were very good and ripening very uniform.