The 2003 Masseto is another product of a difficult year, but in this case it is a vintage characterized by brutal, unrelenting heat. The estate made the decision to use only the central, oldest part of the vineyard, but even that was not enough to fully counter the effects of the sweltering heat. The 2003 is an opulent, port-like Masseto loaded with sweet, dense fruit. It retains good freshness and delineation, but the style is very ripe and heavy.

vinous, April 2011

Tasted at Jeurg Richter’s pre-Climens lunch. The Masseto ’03 oozes class with a ravishing, opulent bouquet with raspberry, kirsch, Kalamata olives and a touch of undergrowth. It has enticing definition and a sense of natural calm. The palate is beautifully balanced with svelte tannins, a nonchalant sense of self-being with gentle grip, filigree texture, more black than the red fruits evident on the nose, cedar and cigar box towards the understated finish. Stunning. Drink now-2020+ Tasted November 2009.

Superintense aromas of raisin and spices. Full and chewy. Very Amarone-like, yet fun and impressive. Not your normal refined Masseto. Merlot. Best after 2008. 1,840 cases made.