TOSCANA ROSSO IGT "MASSETO" 2016 - ORNELLAIA

Denomination: Toscana IGT

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 14.5%

Region: Tuscany (Italy)

Format: 0.75 l

Grapes: Merlot 100%

Awards: ROBERT PARKER 100/100 JAMES SUCKLING 100/100

Winter 2016 was characterized by unusually warm weather with heavy rainfall in February. The germination arrived on time in the last week of March . The abundance of water in the soil and the warm April weather favored rapid and normal vegetative growth of the vines. In May, temperatures returned to normal, slightly slowing growth and causing flowering in the last week of May in the presence of a dry and sunny climate, perfect for a good fruit set. Summer temperatures were normal with very little rainfall which caused considerable water stress towards the end of the ripening phase. The usual thunderstorms of mid-August were also absent, thus prolonging the water stress throughout the first part of the harvest. Fortunately, the remarkably cool temperatures during the night allowed the vines to recover from the heat of the day. The maturation continued on a regular basis with an excellent phenolic potential and a balanced sugar / acidity ratio. The harvest began on August 24 with the youngest vines. In September, the few rains provided the soil with sufficient water to complete the harvest in practically perfect conditions. The oldest vines of the “Masseto centrale” have benefited from this situation by continuing their maturation until the third week of September. The collection of the last parcels took place on 20 September. TASTING NOTES: 2016 represents a textbook vintage for Masseto, with a typically Tuscan coastal climate that saw a dry and sunny growing season, with abundant sunshine and the right amount of rain for perfect ripening. 2016 shows a particularly intense and young color, on the nose the intense aroma of ripe dark fruit blends with subtle notes of cocoa and spices. On the palate, the rich and dense structure of ripe and silky tannins is balanced by a sensual and vibrant fruity note and a lively acidity that keeps the long finish clean and full-bodied.