The 1996 Masseto is austere, wild andsavory, none of which are especially typical. Even so,the 1996 is endowed with consdierable 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.

A beautifully aromatic wine, with pronounced scents of balsamic herbs, leather and black tea: wow! In the mouth, succulent cherry is accompanied by hedgerow berries, sottobosco, olive brine, and herbal and saline elements. There's some floral lift, anchored by fine, dusty tannins. Picked on 8 September, 1996 was considered an early harvest at the time – although nowadays it is the norm. An extremely charming Masseto, showing evolution but also freshness and vitality.

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. Drinking Window 2021 - 2026
Tasted by Aldo Fiordelli (at Masseto winery, Bolgheri, 18 Dec 2020)
Part of Masseto vertical: 10 vintages back to 1988

A rich, concentrated wine, bulging with ripe, extracted tannins. This is smooth and opulent, with flavors of fruitcake and an underlying spiciness from the wood. A delcious, powerful wine, ready to drink now, but still likely to mature. Roger Voss

One of the latest harvests at Masseto, still fresh, classic and balanced with older Merlot fruit character of wild strawerry and brambled autumnal blackberry. Waves of fragrant aromatics of tobacco leaf, truffle, violet, smoked earth, peat, tar and soy. Ready to drink, beginning to soften around the edges, 100% new oak.

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. — BS

This was considered a great vintage like 1999. It was considered an early vintage then when harvest started on 8 September! It was a difficult vintage elsewhere in Tuscany. Mature garnet with a ruby rim. Very perfumed and less dense than some vintages. A little pyrazine effect on the nose and much more transparent than the 1999. Really rather glorious, lifted and sweet. Definitely transparent and just lovely now! Aromatic and seductive. Gentle texture. Not for the long term but fresh and gentle. The juiciest of the lot. (JR)