Tasted next to the 2002, the 2005 Masseto is perhaps a bit edgier, with an extra kick of tannic intensity that gives the wine its sense of direction and a good kick of energy too. I very much admire the tension in the 2005, a wine built on freshness, aromatic depth and mid-weight structure. Cool, rainy weather towards the end of the season resulted in a late harvest that took place between September 14 and 30.

This is a Masseto that is its own now with balance and harmony. It shows delicate chocolate and berry character with hints of hazelnut. Medium to full body. Long silky finish. Drink now.

This is such an enticing wine, shot through with black truffle, raspberry puree, tender tannins, with caressing waves of woodsmoke and violet. So good to drink now, this is one of my favourite of the lineup, elegant, nuanced, with a similar feel to the 2001 and 2018. This was Axel Heinz's first vintage, and one of his first decisions was to pick the best plots almost two weeks later than had been typical, right through to September 30. 100% new oak. Jane Anson Nov 2021 - Inside Bordeaux

It is always special to taste a winemaker’s first wines, and tasting the 2005 Masseto alongside Axel Heinz captures perfectly the emotion and purpose of what wine is all about, a living art form to be shared and bring people together. The 2005 Masseto is rich with herbaceous layers of kirsch, thyme, worn leather, and menthol. It is fleshy and full, with mocha and black truffle, and is still flush with ripe fruit that coaxes through the mid-palate, with present and firm structure. There is still enough life left in it to go at least another decade. Drink 2022-2032. AF

An exotic bouquet reveals floral, spice, cherry compote and truffle elements. A Masseto that's all about elegance, with a silky texture, wild berry fruit, firm tannins and bright acidity. This still has some tannins to give, but is delicious now. Fine length. Merlot.—Non-blind Masseto vertical (October 2017). BS

The 2005 Masseto (Merlot) is simply gorgeous. A wine of extraordinary class and personality, it remains very primary in its dark fruit, licorice, cassis and toasted oak. It offers notable concentration and well-integrated tannins, all of which convey an impression of awesome harmony, finesse and balance. The tricky growing season seems to have been less of an issue for the Merlot, particularly in the old-vine Masseto Centrale vineyard. The 2005 Masseto has been superb every time I have tasted it thus far. As is often the case, the wine requires at least a few years of bottle age before it becomes approachable. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.

AG