1997 Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Masseto

Masseto: The Petrus of Italy

Masseto, undisputedly acclaimed as "Italy's greatest Merlot" by prominent critics from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate, has earned its place among the elite. It's often referred to as "the Petrus of Italy" by seasoned collectors and connoisseurs, a title not bestowed lightly, even endorsed by renowned critic James Suckling. When juxtaposed with the venerable Bordeaux estate, Chateau Petrus, Masseto is significantly youthful in comparison. The estate has rapidly ascended the ranks, thanks to the brilliance of wine luminaries such as Andre Tchelistcheff, Michel Rolland and Thomas Duroux. This single-vineyard Merlot ranks among the world's most coveted wines, boasting an impressive twelve perfect 100-point scores since its debut. Antonio Galloni eloquently captures the essence of Masseto, describing it as a wine that "never failed to literally send shivers down my spine on the multiple occasions I have tasted them."

James Suckling - "1997 was the first vintage when everything was in place to produce great wine – older vineyards, better viticulture and better equipment’, comments winemaker Axel Heinz.The evidence is certainly in the glass; it has an enticing nose with hauntingly perfumed notes of lavender, wild herbs and exotic spice. But it is the texture that is really seductive on this wine – super-smooth and meltingly silky, it flows effortlessly across the palate and finishes with very fine-textured tannins and fresh acidity. The 1997 has a fabulous feeling of weightlessness, ease and elegance."