2003 Masseto Toscana, Tuscany, Bottle (750ml)

NM96 "Tasted at Jeurg Richter’s pre-Climens lunch. The Masseto ’03 oozes class with a ravishing, opulent bouquet with raspberry, kirsch, Kalamata olives and a touch of undergrowth. It has enticing definition and a sense of natural calm. The palate is beautifully balanced with svelte tannins, a nonchalant sense of self-being with gentle grip, filigree texture, more black than the red fruits evident on the nose, cedar and cigar box towards the understated finish. Stunning. Drink now-2020+ Tasted November 2009." NM Mar 2010

AG94 "The 2003 Masseto is tremendous tonight. I admit, 2003 is one of my least favorite vintages, and yet the wine is so delicious today. Exotic and opulent to the core, the 2003 shows all of the natural richness of this brutally hot, dry year in its dark, heady, super-ripe flavors. There is not a ton of nuance, but readers could certainly do worse. This is an especially fine showing for the 2003, that much is pretty clear. Harvest took place between August 25 and September 18, a very early start. Ultimately, the winemaking team decided to only use the heart of the Masseto vineyard, 'Masseto Centrale,' in the blend, which lowered production significantly in favor of quality, a strategy that paid off brilliantly." AG for VM Jan 2020