2013 La Massa "La Massa" Toscana

The 2013 La Massa is a delicious blend of 60% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot, with the rest being Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet. It opens to a bright ruby color with dark garnet intensity. This is a more feminine wine compared to Giorgio Primo, but the wine's inner complexity and finesse are really quite remarkable. Bold fruit layers show intensity and purity, and the wine is impeccably clean and forthcoming. That same sense of purity is transported to the palate where fresh acidity works in nice contrast to the natural heft and structure of this wine. Best of all, La Massa is a great value. (ML)

A tightly woven texture embraces the black currant, blackberry and iron flavors in this red. Almost jammy, this is balanced, showing richness and a vibrant finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. (BS)

The 2013 captures the essence of what made the last several vintages so successful: a complex nose of cedar and spices with juicy black currant and blueberry fruit on the palate all framed by supple tannins. A touch more aromatic and lifted with a step back in density than the 2012, this is more my own personal style. For those in the know, this reads like a top Super Tuscan wine but for pennies on the dollar.

This vintage of La Massa strikes me as a benchmark as the wine has moved from a full-bodied international version to a more classic yet full-bodied and savory Tuscan style blend. It's exceptionally balanced with a smoothly textured palate of layered black and red fruits with bright acidity throughout. Giampaolo Motta continues his impressive streak of great "La Massa" wines and this may very well be his best yet.