Masseto 2008 (750ML)

97+ Points, The Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Masseto is another huge wine. It boasts tons of energy in a tense, inward style I can only describe as implosive, as if the wine is holding back all of its energy. A deep core of black fruit, grilled herbs, licorice and new leather emerges from time to time, but the tannins are still imposing. There is no shortage of pedigree. I fully expect the 2008 to develop into one of the great Massetos. Needless to say, it will be interesting to taste the 2008 in vertical tastings in the future. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. The 2009 vintage was not easy at Tenuta dell’Ornellaia because of the scorching hot summer. Readers may want to take a look at my video interview with Axel Heinz for more on the 2009 vintage.(AG)" 06/12.

99 Points, James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com: "Opulent and complex, with dark fruits such as plums and blackberries. Milk chocolate. Dried herbs too. Black olives. Stunning nose. Full bodied, with firm and chewy tannins, but a very creamy texture, and lots of milk chocolate, berry and mineral character. It goes on for minutes. Clear and powerful. Savory and salty. One of the best Massetos ever." 08/11

97+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: " The 2008 Masseto has never been an easy wine. When it was first released, it was so hard and unyielding. Time has helped the 2008 soften a bit. Even so, it remains a wine of contrasts, of a very obvious push and pull that seems to mirror a growing season marked by alternating periods of warm weather and far cooler conditions. Graphite, smoke, tar and licorice, along with broad tannins, give the 2008 a real feeling of masculine power, qualities that are accentuated in the magnum format." From: Masseto Retrospective at the Country Music Hall of Fame (Jan 2020)

98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "The 2008 Masseto is a powerhouse, and unquestionably one of the greatest expression of pure Merlot out there. Incredibly deep, rich notes of black fruits, chocolate, earth, and licorice all emerge from this majestic yet classic, regal, masculine wine. It’s full-bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate and has fabulous purity of fruit, polished tannins, and a huge finish. It’s still a baby but wow, what a wine." 12/18