- The wine has been released internationally at £5,900 (12×75).
- “The vintage surprise few of us could have expected,” according to Monica Larner.
- The most recent 100-point vintages are available at premiums of up to 26%.
Masseto 2018 has been released at €395 per bottle ex-négociant, up 3.9% on the 2017 (€380).
The wine is being offered internationally for £5,900 per 12×75, 3.8% more than the 2017’s current Market Price (£5,679).
Critical opinion
Today’s release is “an absolute thrill for readers,” according to Antonio Galloni (Vinous), who gave it 98-points. “Silky, mid-weight and supremely gracious, the 2018 reminds me of the 2004 in its aromatic intensity and classic, refined feel,” he observed.
James Suckling also awarded it 98-points. For him, this is “a sophisticated Masseto that shows balance and harmony”.
The wine also received 97-points from Monica Larner (The Wine Advocate). She explained that “the season saw rains just before harvest, and vintners were forced into dramatic last-minute decisions and risks” but “the expert team at Masseto navigated those challenges with deft precision in this first vintage executed in the new winery”.
Where is the value?
The 2017 with its parallel score and slightly cheaper price is an obvious alternative. That said, all back vintages with better scores are more expensive as are several with poorer ratings.
From a Fair Value perspective, the 2018 comes in just below the R2 line – indicating fair value.
The 2008, which also has a score of 97 from the Wine Advocate likewise looks compelling.
Massetino 2019
Massetino 2019 has been released at €140 per bottle ex-négociant, equal to the 2018.
Monica Larner awarded it a barrel range of 94-96 points, noting that the wine was “shaping up beautifully” and that we will see “how the 2019 plays out in the bottle”.
According to her, the Merlot-based wine is “enhanced with a small part of Cabernet Franc” which “is what distinguishes this euphemistically diminutive expression of Masseto, and it is its distinctive vinous signature”.
James Suckling gave it 95-points, and called it “a solid and sturdy second wine from Masseto”.
