{"product_id":"2018-masseto-magnum","title":"2018 Masseto Magnum","description":"\u003cp\u003eBottled in an impressive 1.5L format, the 2018 Masseto Magnum is one of the most coveted expressions of Italian Merlot, crafted by Tenuta dell’Ornellaia on the Tuscan coast. This is a benchmark “cult” wine that marries power and refinement, with a silken texture and remarkable depth. The 2018 marks a pivotal vintage, being the first produced entirely in Masseto’s dedicated new winery, purpose-built for this iconic single-vineyard Merlot and already hailed by critics with 97 points from Wine Advocate and 98 points from James Suckling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Masseto shows a deep, almost opaque ruby-purple color, hinting at its concentration and youth. The nose is immediately seductive and layered: ripe red and black plums, blackberry and cherry compote are interwoven with notes of dark chocolate, mocha, sweet baking spices, and subtle hints of leather, tobacco and dried flowers. With air, more complexity emerges—graphite, cedar and a gentle, earthy minerality.\n\nOn the palate, this Masseto is both sumptuous and impeccably poised. The attack is full-bodied and generous, with plush red and black fruit—plum, blackberry and black cherry—wrapped in ultra-fine, perfectly ripened tannins. A core of sweet spice, cocoa, and a touch of vanilla from high-quality oak adds depth without overwhelming the fruit. Despite its concentration and richness, the wine remains lifted and vibrant, with a long, persistent finish that echoes red fruit, chocolate and a subtle saline note. Already approachable and “drinking now” with adequate aeration, the 2018 has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully for 15–25 years or more, particularly in magnum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMasseto is sourced from a single, legendary vineyard on the Tuscan coast near Bolgheri, planted exclusively to Merlot on unique blue clay soils that provide excellent water retention and natural concentration, tempered by maritime breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. Grapes are carefully hand-harvested parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness, with meticulous selection both in the vineyard and at the sorting table. In the new, fully gravity-fed Masseto winery—built to serve this wine alone—fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled concrete tanks to preserve purity and detail, with gentle extraction tailored to each lot. After fermentation, the wine is traditionally pressed using an old-style basket (curve) press, then aged in French oak barriques (largely new) for an extended period, followed by additional time in bottle to harmonize before release, ensuring the seamless texture and depth Masseto is known for.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2018 Masseto Magnum is an extraordinary partner for refined, richly flavored dishes such as roast lamb with Mediterranean herbs, slow-braised beef cheek, veal shank (ossobuco), truffle risotto, or game birds like pigeon or duck. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Pecorino) and dishes featuring mushroom, truffle, or dark reductions. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. In magnum format, decanting is strongly recommended: allow at least 2 hours, and up to 3–4 hours for maximum expression, especially in its youth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTenuta dell’Ornellaia, founded in 1981 near Bolgheri on Tuscany’s coast, is one of Italy’s most celebrated estates and a pioneer of the so‑called “Super Tuscan” movement. Masseto, originally a special Merlot parcel within the Ornellaia holdings, quickly earned its own mythic status thanks to its singular blue clay terroir and its ability to rival the world’s greatest Merlot-based wines. Over the decades, the estate has become a reference point for modern, world-class Tuscan reds, with consistently high critical acclaim and a loyal international following. The creation of a dedicated Masseto winery—serving only this wine—and its exclusive distribution via the Place de Bordeaux underline its stature as one of the most important and collectible wines in Italy and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tenuta dell Ornellaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251833459025,"sku":"GCW-MMUI-1890215","price":2195.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2017_Tenuta_dellOrnellaia_Masseto_1.png?v=1783441722","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2018-masseto-magnum","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}