Name: Masseto Toscana 1996 750ml
Brand: Masseto
SKU: 926197
Price: 1610.25 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 92.3 (4 reviews)

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Winery Masseto

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Varietal Merlot

With its dark blue colored fruits and high juice content, Merlot varietal grapes have long been a favorite of wine producers around the globe, with it being found in vineyards across Europe, the Americas and elsewhere in the New World. One of the distinguishing features of Merlot grapes is the fact that they have a relatively low tannin content and an exceptionally soft and fleshy character, meaning they are capable of producing incredibly rounded and mellow wines. This mellowness is balanced with plenty of flavor, however, and has made Merlot grapes the varietal of choice for softening other, more astringent and tannin-heavy wines, often resulting in truly exceptional produce. Merlot is regarded as one of the key 'Bordeaux' varietals for precisely this reason; when combined with the drier Cabernet Sauvignon, it is capable of blending beautifully to produce some of the finest wines available in the world.

Country Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region Tuscany

The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.

Appellation Bolgheri

Bolgheri, nestled along the sun-soaked Tuscan coast, is a revered wine appellation renowned for producing outstanding red wines. What sets Bolgheri apart is its pioneering role in the creation of “Super Tuscan” wines, challenging traditional Italian winemaking. These wines often blend indigenous Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in rich, complex flavors and a remarkable aging potential. Bolgheri’s coastal location influences a distinctive microclimate, characterized by warm days and cool maritime breezes, imparting freshness and structure to the wines. Notably, Sassicaia, born in Bolgheri, stands as a global benchmark for quality. Bolgheri wines, with their innovative spirit and unique terroir, encapsulate the essence of modern Italian winemaking, offering enthusiasts an exciting journey through the evolution of this dynamic appellation.

DC 95pts

Decanter

Tasted from a double magnum, this 1996 (which was not a particularly good vintage in Bolgheri) shines for its complexity and evolution. Garnet in colour with cedar wood, leather and cigar box notes in depth embellished with blueberry fruit and crystallised violet, this Masseto is a benchmark aged Merlot with its silky-smooth milk chocolate palate covering quite classic angular yet evolved tannins. Now drinking well, enjoy the untreated leather finish and whiffs of game.

WS 92pts

Wine Spectator

Offers wild rosemary, juniper, coffee, plum, fruitcake and spice aromas and flavors. Mature, supple, balanced and elegant, displaying a lifted, mouthwatering finish, with coffee, fruit and tar details. Merlot. Non-blind Masseto vertical (October 2017). Drink now through 2028. 2,915 cases made.

WA 91pts

Wine Advocate

In 1996 the flowering was delayed and the summer was on the cool side. Only a spell of heat towards the end of the season allowed the fruit to ripen. As a result, the 1996 Masseto is both fresh, but also rather compact. It possesses gorgeous, well-delineated aromatics and plenty of complexity but not the depth or richness to improve materially from here. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018.

VM 91pts

Vinous Media

The 1996 Masseto is austere, wild and savory, none of which are especially typical. Even so, the 1996 is endowed with considerable depth. Graphite, grilled herbs, game, smoke, licorice and tobacco add to its wild feel. The 1996 is not especially refined, but it has a ton of character. It was a mostly cool and rainy year, with just a bit of heat at the end.

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Masseto Toscana 1996 750ml Case of 6

Winery Masseto

Varietal Merlot

Country Italy

Region Tuscany

Appellation Bolgheri

Decanter

Wine Spectator

Wine Advocate

Vinous Media

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