Het groeiseizoen van 2023 in Bolgheri vormde een uitdaging voor de wijnmakers. De lente bracht hevige regenval en een uitbraak van peronospora (valse meeldauw) in heel Toscane met zich mee, wat constante waakzaamheid in de wijngaarden vereiste en leidde tot lagere opbrengsten. De daaropvolgende zomer was warm en droog, waardoor de overgebleven druiven goed konden rijpen. Masseto's tweede wijn, Massetino 2023, bevat een aandeel cabernet franc dat de natuurlijke dichtheid van de merlot versterkt, wat resulteert in een geconcentreerde, frisse wijn.
Robert Parker (96)
The Masseto 2023 Massetino is a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc and confirms the growing confidence and individuality of this blend. The 2023 harvest was not easy because of mildew pressure. The Merlot was picked after periods of rain, with Cabernet Franc playing a compensating role, yet the result is very positive, offering bright spiciness and layered mineral tones of graphite smoke and crushed stone. Grown on a mix of blue clay and reddish marine-derived soils rich in fossils and sodium, the vineyards benefit from cool, water-retentive clays that help the vines cope with heat stress. Chalky notes add freshness on the finish, and the overall impression is one of depth, brightness and savory precision. Though often described as a "second wine" after Masseto, Massetino has achieved notable success by proving it has a distinct identity.
James Suckling (95)
A dark, super-intense, rich and complex wine. On the nose it shows restrained bramble fruit, vanilla, cloves, eucalyptus and leather. Lots of graphite on the palate, with firm, velvety tannins, chocolate flavors, refreshing acidity and a chalky, oaky finish. Drink or hold.
Vinous (90)
The 2023 Massetino is an attractive and expressive wine. Medium in body, the 2023 offers up an attractive mix of dark plum, mocha, new leather, cedar and espresso. Time in the glass brings out pretty floral and spice top notes. The oak and extraction feel just a bit pushed for the wine's mid-weight structure. The 2023 was done in a period of transition with technical teams and winemakers, and that is evident in this particular vintage.