The 2013 Masseto boasts striking inner perfume and sweetness. Pliant and expressive at the outset, the 2013 starts to shut down quickly with time in bottle, which is probably a good thing for the long term. A host of dark red cherry, plum, mocha and licorice build in the glass, but structurally the wine is quite reticent. Historically, Massetos from cooler, late-ripening vintages have developed gracefully in bottle. I expect that to be the case here as well. Drink 2020-2033.
Aromas of blueberry, violet, and rose that turn to black truffle. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and very long. So gorgeous and persistent. It goes on for minutes.
Offers an inviting nose of black cherry, blackberry, vanilla, toast and tobacco, while sweet fruit and mineral flavors abound. Focused yet generous, with beautiful balance and a long, spicetinged aftertaste. Needs aeration to come together. Decant if you must drink now, but better to wait. Merlot. Best from 2019 through 2030.
The 2013 Masseto paints a glorious picture of Tuscany. It captures an inspired moment in time and walks an impressive tightrope between power and elegance. In my preview tasting last year, I noticed the firm textural richness of the 2013 vintage and the crystalline sharpness of its aromas. Thanks to 12 additional months of bottle aging, that impression is evermore constant and concrete. The focus is there, yet the wine has also fleshed out and put on more velvety definition especially in terms of mouthfeel. It wears its pedigree with pride, but most importantly it offers the balance and integration to promise a long and healthy aging future. The 2013 vintage follows closely on the heels of the impeccable 2006 and 2010 vintages in terms of cellaring potential. This is definitely a bottle that should interest collectors.
Tasted from barrel, the 2013 Masseto is shaping up to be a super star. This edition of the wine is already more muscular and tight compared to the warm vintage expression in 2011 and 2012. This Masseto instead is linear and balanced with pretty fruit tones that are enhanced by enduring sensations of baking spice, dark chocolate and tobacco. The bouquet delivers the classic aromas you should expect of a Merlot of this high standard. The mouthfeel also shows a tight acidic vein that bodes well for the future evolution of this stunning wine. The tannins are youthful and unyielding but they also show firm structure and balance that serves to support the wine's rich extract and flavors.
