2012 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto

Merlot - 750ML
Reg: $995.00
$845.00
This product is
out of stock
Most orders placed M-F by 3pm (PT) ship same day.
Orders placed on a weekend or holiday will ship the next business day.
Shipping Info

Free storage available
Wine Storage

REVIEWS

JS 99 WA 95 WS 94
JS 99

jamessuckling.com, August 2015

Fantastic aromas of lavender, rosemary, violets and currants. Full body, a wonderful concentration of fruit yet tense and taunt energy. The new wood is exposed now but will become integrated and polished. Give it three or...
WA 95

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2015

The 2012 Masseto is seductive from the first sip. The 2011 edition of this wine was very successful, and not too different in character from this wine. What the 2012 vintage offers instead is a level of textural richness...
WS 94

Wine Spectator, October 2015

A serious red, from the intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, spice and mineral to the concentrated flavor profile and complex structure. The vibrant finish shows terrific length. All the components are there...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Merlot
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Sub-region Bolgheri
Vintage 2012
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 15%
Closure Cork
Viticulture method Sustainable

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a Bolgheri estate which lies in the heart of Tuscany's coastal region, Maremma, also home to Sassicaia. The estate is one of the icon wineries of Italy, producing some of the finest Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany, grown in the alluvial, volcanic, and marine-based soils which comprise the region’s terroir.

Founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, Ornellaia’s first vineyard plantings were in 1982 and the new winery started operations with the 1985 vintage. Robert Mondavi and Marchesi de' Frescobaldi became co-owners of the estate in 2002, but since 2005, the estate has been exclusively owned by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi.

Grapes which are not designated for the winery’s flagship Bordeaux-styled release Ornellaia, one of the first Super Tuscans, are "declassified" to the production of Le Serre Nuove, which usually has more Merlot, and sees less oak influence. The winery produces several other labels, including Le Volte, a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Sauvignon Blanc, Poggio alla Gazze, and Ornus, a sweet, late harvest wine from Petit Manseng.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia also owns the Masseto winery and estate, which produces an equally world-renowned and lauded single-vineyard Merlot.

Introducing the 2012 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto, a remarkable red wine that embodies the essence of Italian winemaking. This vintage hails from the prestigious Bolgheri region of Tuscany, known for producing exceptional wines with character and finesse. Crafted solely from the Merlot varietal, this wine showcases the incredible potential of this grape.

In the glass, the 2012 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto displays a deep and captivating red color, hinting at the richness that lies within. As you bring the glass to your nose, a symphony of aromas unfolds. Black cherry, blackberry, and plum dance with enticing notes of spice and mineral. Each whiff reveals a new layer of complexity, inviting you to explore further.

On the palate, this wine truly shines. It boasts a concentrated flavor profile that is both powerful and elegant. The vibrant finish is a testament to the impeccable balance and structure of this wine. While all the components are already present, the 2012 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto benefits from some additional cellaring time to allow it to fully harmonize.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this vintage an impressive 99 points, praising its fantastic aromas of lavender, rosemary, violets, and currants. He predicts that with a few more years of aging, the new wood will integrate seamlessly, enhancing the already enchanting experience.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also heaped praise upon the 2012 Masseto, awarding it a score of 95. Monica Larner, the reviewer, was captivated by its velvety and silky smooth texture, noting the upfront aromas of dark cherry and spice. She compared this vintage to the classic years of 2001 and 2006, appreciating its exuberant richness and predicting a long aging potential.

With only 320 cases imported, the 2012 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto is a true gem to behold. It is a wine that commands attention and demands contemplation. Whether enjoyed now or carefully cellared for future indulgence, this red beauty promises an unforgettable experience.