Tenuta dell`Ornellaia Masseto 1999

Tasting note: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - Masseto 1999

Appearance

A deep, velvety garnet red colour with shimmering mahogany and copper tones on the rim - a sign of mature elegance. The colour is reminiscent of polished antique wood, interspersed with a lively clarity. Slowly gliding "tears" reveal a surprising density for a 25-year-old wine.

Nose

A bouquet of orchestral complexity: ripe plums, dried mulberries and preserved cherries meld with tertiary flavours of truffle, leather and damp tobacco. Exotic spices (cloves, vanilla pod) and a smoky oak note join in, underpinned by mineral freshness - like a breath of salty sea air over claystone. Aeration reveals delicate floral notes (wilted violets) and a hint of balsamic vinegar, reminiscent of the Tuscan autumn sun.

Flavour

A symphony of fullness and finesse unfolds on the palate. The once powerful tannins are now woven into a silky texture, carried by a precise, lively acidity. Layers of flavour of blackcurrant, fig confectionery and dark chocolate combine with nuances of cigar box, roasted almond wood and an umami depth reminiscent of reduced game jus. The terroir of the Tuscan coast makes itself known with salty minerality and a cool pebble character that lends the wine structure and tension.

Finish

The finish is of monumental length and depth. Flavours of roasted coffee, liquorice and a delicate bitterness reminiscent of dark cocoa nibs linger for minutes. The mineral soul of the wine remains present until the last breath, accompanied by a floating sweetness - like the echo of a cello in an empty concert hall.

Overall judgement

The Masseto 1999 is a masterpiece of Tuscan alchemy - a Merlot that transcends time and expectations. Despite its age, it combines youthful vitality with mature complexity, supported by a structure reminiscent of ancient columns. The 1999 vintage is reflected here: warm but disciplined, lush but never opulent, a wine that is not only drinkable but also tells a story - of the poetry of the Bolgheri terroir and the genius of its creators.

Score: 97/100
Drinking maturity: At the peak of its development - open now or store patiently for another 5-10 years to follow its metamorphosis.

Drinking recommendation:
Serve at 16-18°C in large Bordeaux glasses, decant gently to separate deposit. Ideal with wild boar ragout with truffle polenta, matured pecorino al tartufo or a dark lamb curry with cardamom. A wine for evenings that write stories.

"A Masseto that makes time stand still - a monument to the art of waiting."

Background:The 1999 vintage in Tuscany was characterised by a warm summer and timely autumn rains, which allowed the Merlot grapes to ripen perfectly. Masseto utilised this balance to create a wine of rare depth and longevity - proof that Bolgheri's terroir gives birth to legends even in "classic" years.