Winemaker Notes
The great 2000/1 vintage at Tenuta dell' Ornellaia produced one of the most extraordinary vintage Masseto ever made. The wine is rich with profound depth. The aromas, which continue to evolve, remind us of the complexity of the grapes at harvest. The tannins are exceptionally rich and literally fill the palate indicating a magnificent aging potential. 100% Merlot.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is clearly a perfect wine and just now starting to open and show you its sheer beauty. It's balanced with fascinating rosemary and dark fruit character that turns to plums and light chocolate. The undertones on the nose remind me of walking through the Masseto vineyard during a cool summer's morning. It finally softens at the finish and shows a stunning fruit and acid tension. Finally softening and showing it true greatness. Decant four hours before.
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Wine Spectator
Wonderful aromas of blackberries, raspberries and fresh tobacco, with a hint of exotic fruit. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Very silky indeed. A gorgeous, seductive, classy red. A monument to Tuscany. Layers and layers of fruit and tannins. Perhaps the greatest Tuscan red ever. Best after 2012. 2,670 cases made.
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Robert Parker's 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. Drink: 2006-2025.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.