The Masseto moves over the palate with substantial fruit weight and concentration gained over the course of this hot and dry growing season (which produced smaller, richer and more compact berries). Perhaps, what this vintage lacks is that profound varietal character that we saw in recent vintages like 2016 and 2015. If concerned that the hot vintage would draw out too many ripe fruit tones, the oak serves to soften some of the more volatile components of the fruit. Those distinctive notes of macchia mediterranea (wild bush) that I always associate with Masseto are less present in this vintage. You feel the oak tannins on the finish with toast and vanilla that will certainly shed as the wine ages. In fact, I went back to taste the wine 12 hours later, and they had already softened considerably. (ML)

The 2017 Masseto is fabulous. A wine of tremendous inner perfume and sensuality, the 2017 dazzles from start to finish. Although not the most potent or structured Masseto, the 2017 impresses with its breathtaking finesse. The flavors are vibrant and remarkably pure from start to finish. Blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, spice, lavender and licorice all come alive in the glass. I have a hard time thinking of a Masseto with this much sheer allure at the outset. Masseto has so often been a wine of impact, but the 2017 says it all with finesse. It spent 22 months in 100% new oak, a bit less time than is typical, and finished its aging in tank, decisions taken to preserve as much freshness as possible. (AG) 97+

According to Axel Heinz, managing director of the estate, 'the 2017 vintage for Masseto was analytically close to 2011 but with more elegance'. The grapes were harvested between 24 and 30 August, so relatively early, in just three tries - quicker than usual. A powerful wine displaying grace in a warm, dry vintage, it's dominated by bright blueberry and blackberry fruit, raw butter and balsamic whiffs. The palate is focused on mulberry and dark chocolate, polished but concentrated with a thick finish due to its youthfulness. Firm yet creamy tannins and lively acidity balance the hefty 15.5% of alcohol. An outstanding wine that will reward further ageing with more complexity. (AF)