2002 Masseto
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Tasting notes
A challenging vintage that started well but from August 10 was impacted by rain. At almost 20 years old, this majors on white truffle, spice, balsamic and cassis liqueur. Still delivering pleasure, tertiary character with raspberry, wild strawberry, oyster shell and cold ash aromatics, smoked earth and softened tannins. This is ready to drink and to enjoy over the next five to 10 years. 100% new oak, but for six months less than the usual 24 to ensure it remained balanced.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Masseto is such a gorgeous wine. Red cherry, sweet red plum, spice and floral overtones all convey freshness. Medium in body, yet with lovely depth, the 2002 is an example of how well Masseto can do in cool, rainy years. As always, the magnum format helps. The 2002 spent 20 months in oak, a bit less than normal.
Once again, I preferred the 2002 Masseto to the 2003, a wine that showed all of the excess weight, heaviness and opulence of the torrid vintage. Elegance and silkiness remain the hallmarks of the 202 Masseto, and those qualities came through in spades on this night.
About the producer
Established in the 1980s by Lodovico Antinori on the advice of André Tchelistcheff, Masseto was one of Tuscany’s first pure Merlot wines. Sibling to Ornellaia, the Super Tuscan is often considered the Pétrus of Italy – offering powerful, perfumed wines that are highly sought-after by collectors.