Masseto 1993 150cl

The real surprise in this flight, the 1993 Masseto comes out of nowhere. Explosive and remarkably deep for a wine of its age, the 1993 is vibrant and so expressive. Hints of leather, game, smoke, dark fruit, spice and chocolate open up in the glass, but more than anything else I am simply struck by just how beautiful the 1993 is today. The warm, dry year, with no real shocks, yielded a Masseto of pure class.

The real surprise in this flight, the 1993 Masseto comes out of nowhere. Explosive and remarkably deep for a wine of its age, the 1993 is vibrant and so expressive. Hints of leather, game, smoke, dark fruit, spice and chocolate open up in the glass, but more than anything else I am simply struck by just how beautiful the 1993 is today. The warm, dry year, with no real shocks, yielded a Masseto of pure class.

The single vineyard, 100% barrel-fermented Merlot, Masseto, is stunning in both the 1992 and 1993 vintages. The 1993 Masseto reveals a deeper, more saturated ruby/purple color, plenty of sweet, toasty oak, gobs of fruit, full body, plenty of suppleness, and gorgeously pure, sweet fruit. In a blind tasting, it would be easy to mistake for a top-notch, right bank Bordeaux. The 1993 is still youthful, but accessible. It can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. It should come as no surprise that this wine is Italy's greatest Merlot, and is in a class with the first-growths of Bordeaux.<br/><br/>The Marchese Lodovico Antinori makes these luxuriously fruity, rich wines from his vineyards in Bolgheri, an area not far from the famed Sassicaia. With the help of Bordeaux's brilliant oenologist, Michel Rolland, these wines seem to be going from strength to strength.<br/>

The Le Pin of Italy. Super-ripe berry, Merlot character, with aromas and flavors of violet, berry, cassis and a hint of dried herbs. Full-bodied, with full tannins, yet soft and velvety on the finish. Better after 1997. 1,500 cases made. ?

The single vineyard, 100% barrel-fermented Merlot, Masseto, is stunning in both the 1992 and 1993 vintages. The 1993 Masseto reveals a deeper, more saturated ruby/purple color, plenty of sweet, toasty oak, gobs of fruit, full body, plenty of suppleness, and gorgeously pure, sweet fruit. In a blind tasting, it would be easy to mistake for a top-notch, right bank Bordeaux. The 1993 is still youthful, but accessible. It can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. It should come as no surprise that this wine is Italy's greatest Merlot, and is in a class with the first-growths of Bordeaux.<br/><br/>The Marchese Lodovico Antinori makes these luxuriously fruity, rich wines from his vineyards in Bolgheri, an area not far from the famed Sassicaia. With the help of Bordeaux's brilliant oenologist, Michel Rolland, these wines seem to be going from strength to strength.<br/>

The Le Pin of Italy. Super-ripe berry, Merlot character, with aromas and flavors of violet, berry, cassis and a hint of dried herbs. Full-bodied, with full tannins, yet soft and velvety on the finish. Better after 1997. 1,500 cases made. ?

The first vintage when consulting enologist Michel Rolland was involved in the entire winemaking process. It shows fresh herb and plum character and sweet tobacco. Medium to full body with fine tannins and freshness. Drink now.