The 2019 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto is a distinguished Merlot from Tuscany's Bolgheri region, notable for its introduction of 10% Cabernet Franc. This marks a departure from its traditional 100% Merlot composition, a decision driven by climate change and the success of Cabernet Franc in the estate's second wine, Massetino. The estate director, Axel Heinz, indicates that this blend adds aromatic complexity to the wine.
James Suckling awarded the wine a remarkable 99 points, highlighting its "intense aromas of blackberries and black olives, together with hints of rosemary bush and lavender." Suckling described it as "full-bodied, yet so tight and integrated, with weightless tannins that frame the wine in a precise and curated fashion." He noted that it is built for aging and recommended trying it after 2027.
Decanter rated the wine 96 points, emphasizing the inclusion of Cabernet Franc. The review praised the wine for its "sweet cherry fruit and peppery spice with hints of cocoa powder, earth, and coconut." The tannins are described as "ripe, fine-grained, and well integrated," offering a "long, soft, and perfumed finale."
Jeb Dunnuck also rated the wine highly at 98 points, describing it as "remarkably potent" with "layers of incense, polished leather, and macchia herbs." Dunnuck highlighted its "luxurious" nature with notes of "pure red apple, blackberry, graphite, and lavender."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 98 points, noting the wine's "two main themes at heart: concentration and elegance." The review mentioned its "lovely concentrated fruit, blackberry, integrated spice, tobacco, crushed slate, pencil shaving," and emphasized its "density and power to the palate."
Wine Enthusiast awarded the wine 96 points, describing aromas of "iris, raspberry, camphor and Mediterranean scrub," and flavors of "black currant, Morello cherry, fruitcake and star anise." The review highlighted its "smooth, velvety tannins" and "fresh acidity."
Wine Spectator also rated it 98 points, mentioning its "blackberry, black currant, iron, rosemary, cedar and toasty oak spice aromas and flavors." The review noted its "firm and compact" nature with "very refined tannins."
Vinous gave the wine 98 points, calling it "fabulous" and "silky, gracious and super-refined." The review praised its "red berry fruit, mocha, cinnamon and blood orange" flavors.
The Wine Independent awarded a perfect score of 100 points, describing the wine as "deeply colored and dark purple in tone" with "fine and tightly knit" tannins and a "lovely harmony and freshness."
Jane Anson rated it 99 points, noting its "powerful creep through the palate of licorice, chocolate, espresso, cocoa, turmeric, and smoked vanilla bean" with a "velvety punch of flavor from beginning to end."
In summary, the 2019 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto is a highly acclaimed wine with a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, praised for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential.