WINEMAKER NOTES
1997 Masseto Toscana IGT - Bolgheri Merlot, Tuscany
The 1997 Masseto Toscana IGT is a distinguished vintage of one of Italy's most collectible Merlot wines. Produced on the Tuscan coast near Bolgheri, Masseto has established an international reputation for its distinctive terroir, limited production, and remarkable aging potential. The celebrated 1997 growing season produced wines of considerable richness and concentration throughout Tuscany, and Masseto reflects the vintage's generous character through its depth, texture, and mature complexity.
Tasting Notes
The 1997 Masseto offers an evolving bouquet of ripe black plum, dark cherry, and blackberry, accompanied by tobacco, leather, cedar, and earthy nuances. With maturity, notes of truffle, dried herbs, and dark chocolate add aromatic complexity. The palate is rich and expansive, with concentrated fruit, integrated tannins, and a velvety texture. Its long, savory finish balances the warmth of the vintage with the distinctive mineral character associated with Masseto's clay-rich soils.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced entirely from Merlot, Masseto originates from a carefully managed vineyard on the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast near Bolgheri. The site's distinctive blue clay soils play an important role in regulating vine growth and contributing to the wine's concentration and structure. The 1997 vintage benefited from warm, favorable growing conditions, allowing the Merlot to achieve substantial ripeness. Traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels contributed additional complexity and supported the wine's long-term development.
Investment & Collectibility
Masseto occupies an established position among Italy's most sought-after collectible wines. Its limited production, international recognition, and reputation for longevity have supported sustained interest among collectors. The 1997 vintage is particularly notable for its association with an exceptional Tuscan growing season. At nearly three decades of age, provenance, professional storage, fill level, and overall bottle condition are essential considerations when evaluating surviving examples.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1997 Tuscan vintage is widely regarded for producing concentrated, richly textured red wines. Favorable ripening conditions allowed Masseto's Merlot to develop considerable depth while retaining the structure necessary for extended maturation. Well-preserved bottles can now display complex tertiary aromas alongside mature fruit and softened tannins, making this vintage especially appealing to collectors seeking an established expression of Masseto.
Explore Related Collections
Shipping Information
Domestic Shipping
We ship wine from Los Angeles, California, to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 PM Pacific Time typically ship the same business day. Orders received after Thursday's cutoff or Friday through Sunday are generally held until Monday to avoid weekend transit. Shipping schedules may vary due to weather, holidays, and carrier operations.
Same-day local delivery may be available within the Los Angeles area Monday through Friday for orders placed before 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Please contact us to confirm availability and arrangements.
Packaging & Weather Holds
All wines are packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to protect both the wine and its original packaging.
During periods of excessive heat or freezing temperatures, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding your order. Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to six months from the purchase date. Select the weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to arrange a future shipment.
Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for shipping recommendations, weather forecasts, and temperature-related responsibilities.
Shipping Protection
Shipping protection against eligible loss or physical damage during transit is included with qualifying shipments, subject to applicable coverage terms, exclusions, and claims requirements. Temperature-related deterioration, including heat or cold exposure, is not covered.
Delivery & Signature Requirements
All wine deliveries require an adult signature from a recipient aged 21 or older. Customers are responsible for providing an accurate shipping address and ensuring an eligible adult is available on the first delivery attempt.
Failed delivery attempts, incorrect or incomplete addresses, refused deliveries, rerouting, or returned shipments may result in additional carrier, return, and reshipment charges payable by the customer.
International Shipping
International shipping may be arranged to select destinations, subject to prior approval and a minimum order of $2,000. Availability, import requirements, duties, and restrictions vary by destination. Please review our International Shipping Information before placing an order.
Where We Ship
We currently ship wine to the following U.S. states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Shipping eligibility is subject to applicable laws and carrier availability. If your state is unavailable at checkout, please contact us to confirm current shipping options.
1997 Masseto Toscana IGT - Bolgheri Merlot, Tuscany
The 1997 Masseto Toscana IGT is a distinguished vintage of one of Italy's most collectible Merlot wines. Produced on the Tuscan coast near Bolgheri, Masseto has established an international reputation for its distinctive terroir, limited production, and remarkable aging potential. The celebrated 1997 growing season produced wines of considerable richness and concentration throughout Tuscany, and Masseto reflects the vintage's generous character through its depth, texture, and mature complexity.
Tasting Notes
The 1997 Masseto offers an evolving bouquet of ripe black plum, dark cherry, and blackberry, accompanied by tobacco, leather, cedar, and earthy nuances. With maturity, notes of truffle, dried herbs, and dark chocolate add aromatic complexity. The palate is rich and expansive, with concentrated fruit, integrated tannins, and a velvety texture. Its long, savory finish balances the warmth of the vintage with the distinctive mineral character associated with Masseto's clay-rich soils.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced entirely from Merlot, Masseto originates from a carefully managed vineyard on the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast near Bolgheri. The site's distinctive blue clay soils play an important role in regulating vine growth and contributing to the wine's concentration and structure. The 1997 vintage benefited from warm, favorable growing conditions, allowing the Merlot to achieve substantial ripeness. Traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels contributed additional complexity and supported the wine's long-term development.
Investment & Collectibility
Masseto occupies an established position among Italy's most sought-after collectible wines. Its limited production, international recognition, and reputation for longevity have supported sustained interest among collectors. The 1997 vintage is particularly notable for its association with an exceptional Tuscan growing season. At nearly three decades of age, provenance, professional storage, fill level, and overall bottle condition are essential considerations when evaluating surviving examples.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1997 Tuscan vintage is widely regarded for producing concentrated, richly textured red wines. Favorable ripening conditions allowed Masseto's Merlot to develop considerable depth while retaining the structure necessary for extended maturation. Well-preserved bottles can now display complex tertiary aromas alongside mature fruit and softened tannins, making this vintage especially appealing to collectors seeking an established expression of Masseto.
Explore Related Collections
1997 Masseto Toscana IGT - Bolgheri Merlot, Tuscany
The 1997 Masseto Toscana IGT is a distinguished vintage of one of Italy's most collectible Merlot wines. Produced on the Tuscan coast near Bolgheri, Masseto has established an international reputation for its distinctive terroir, limited production, and remarkable aging potential. The celebrated 1997 growing season produced wines of considerable richness and concentration throughout Tuscany, and Masseto reflects the vintage's generous character through its depth, texture, and mature complexity.
Tasting Notes
The 1997 Masseto offers an evolving bouquet of ripe black plum, dark cherry, and blackberry, accompanied by tobacco, leather, cedar, and earthy nuances. With maturity, notes of truffle, dried herbs, and dark chocolate add aromatic complexity. The palate is rich and expansive, with concentrated fruit, integrated tannins, and a velvety texture. Its long, savory finish balances the warmth of the vintage with the distinctive mineral character associated with Masseto's clay-rich soils.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced entirely from Merlot, Masseto originates from a carefully managed vineyard on the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast near Bolgheri. The site's distinctive blue clay soils play an important role in regulating vine growth and contributing to the wine's concentration and structure. The 1997 vintage benefited from warm, favorable growing conditions, allowing the Merlot to achieve substantial ripeness. Traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels contributed additional complexity and supported the wine's long-term development.
Investment & Collectibility
Masseto occupies an established position among Italy's most sought-after collectible wines. Its limited production, international recognition, and reputation for longevity have supported sustained interest among collectors. The 1997 vintage is particularly notable for its association with an exceptional Tuscan growing season. At nearly three decades of age, provenance, professional storage, fill level, and overall bottle condition are essential considerations when evaluating surviving examples.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1997 Tuscan vintage is widely regarded for producing concentrated, richly textured red wines. Favorable ripening conditions allowed Masseto's Merlot to develop considerable depth while retaining the structure necessary for extended maturation. Well-preserved bottles can now display complex tertiary aromas alongside mature fruit and softened tannins, making this vintage especially appealing to collectors seeking an established expression of Masseto.
Explore Related Collections
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