2008 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" (3L)

99 points James Suckling and ranked #1 in Top Dozen Bottles Tasted in 2011: "Opulent and complex, with dark fruits such as plums and blackberries. Milk chocolate. Dried herbs too. Black olives. Stunning nose. Full bodied, with firm and chewy tannins, but a very creamy texture, and lots of milk chocolate, berry and mineral character. It goes on for minutes. Clear and powerful. Savory and salty. One of the best Massetos ever. (jamessuckling.com, 08/11) 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028." (08/11) 93 points Wine Spectator: "A dark, extracted red, offering plenty of juicy plum, blackberry and violet notes framed by vanilla and toast. Squarely in the modern camp, yet this works. The tannins are slightly gritty now, but should mesh with time. Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2024. 400 cases imported." (10/11)