Product Information: Saturated purple-black ruby. Complex, intense nose of dark fruits, pepper and sage. There is uncommon richness on the palate expressive of stewed prunes, bitter-sweet chocolate and candied fruit. Somewhat unevolved today, with palate-gripping tannins and a notable acid presence, it finishes very long, with a strong dose of minerality. (I should add that a barrel sample of the 2001 Masseto revealed more freshness and sweetness and a greater sense of balance than either of the preceding vintages, even though it maintains the typically lush and imposing structure for which this single-vineyard merlot is noted. 91+ points - ST
