2012 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" Toscana

The 2012 Masseto is seductive from the first sip. The 2011 edition of this wine was very successful, and not too different in character from this wine. What the 2012 vintage offers instead is a level of textural richness and creaminess that is absolutely outstanding. The very nature of the fruit feels velvety and silky smooth, without a single ripple. The bouquet reveals upfront aromas of dark cherry and spice that are contrasted perfectly against one another. Classic vintages of Masseto include 2001 and 2006. The 2012 vintage doesn't offer the same backbone firmness as those years, but it offers lots more exuberant richness instead. Some 32,000 bottles were produced. The wine should hold forward for many, many years. (ML)

Black cherry and cedar aromas lead off. This is more juicy than rich, offering black cherry, black currant, mineral and spice flavors. A firm, dense structure upholds the broad frame and ample fruit, picking up a tobacco note on the lingering finish. (BS)