The 2002 is another eye-opening wine. The year is mostly remembered for its cool, wet summer and a number of dilute, uninteresting wines. Not here. The 2002 Masseto will go down as one of the handful of truly great wines made that year. I imagine in ten or twenty years it will be fascinating to taste alongside Miani’s Merlot, Soldera’s Brunello Riserva and Conterno’s Monfortino. There is no question the wine is in that league. Today the 2002 remains a baby, with tons of depth in its dark fruit. Hints of rose petal and spice develop in the glass, adding further complexity. There is plenty of structure underneath, suggesting the 2002 will be a very long-lived wine. Today, it is a knock-out. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. - Antonio Galloni

A challenging vintage that started well but from August 10 was impacted by rain. At almost 20 years old, this majors on white truffle, spice, balsamic and cassis liqueur. Still delivering pleasure, tertiary character with raspberry, wild strawberry, oyster shell and cold ash aromatics, smoked earth and softened tannins. This is ready to drink and to enjoy over the next five to 10 years. 100% new oak, but for six months less than the usual 24 to ensure it remained balanced.

This is surprisingly outstanding quality after being such a rainy vintage. Lovely nose of mint, berry and mineral follow through to a full to medium body. Firm and silky texture. Delicious and holding on beautifully. Drink now.