Tenuta dell´Ornellaia - Masseto 2005

FALSTAFF: "Glänzendes, sattes Rubin mit Violettschimmer. Sehr ansprechende, fast pralle Nase, satt nach reifen Brombeeren, etwas Heidelbeeren, dazu Nuancen von dunkler Schokolade, feines Zedernholz. Zupackend und stoffig am Gaumen, viel sattes, dichtmaschiges Tannin, entfaltet sich in feinen Schichten, viel reife Beerenfrucht, dazu kommen feine würzige Komponenten, salzig und mit toller Spannung versehen, ein Traumwein."

DECANTER: "Sottobosco, tobacco and tea interlace with chocolatey dark fruits and creamy cherry. The tannins are still a bit grippy, and the acidity is fresh and succulent, lending tension which balances the generosity and softness of fruit, however the finish is just slightly drying. In contrast to 2006, 2005 was a hot year and a late vintage due to a delayed budbreak. It's drinking really well at this moment in time, and feels like it has many more years to go."

WEINWISSER: "Leuchtendes Rubin-Granat. Die Nase beginnt mit frisch gepflückten Himbeeren und Schladerer-Aromen, Fliedertouch und Beeren in der Blüte. Tänzerischer Gaumen, filigran und verspielt, wirkt sehr feminin und schon fast zart, ein extrem junger Spass. Ein bisschen Le Pin aus der Toskana!"

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is a Masseto that is its own now with balance and harmony. It shows delicate chocolate and berry character with hints of hazelnut. Medium to full body. Long silky finish. Drink now."

JEB DUNNUCK: "It is always special to taste a winemaker’s first wines, and tasting the 2005 Masseto alongside Axel Heinz captures perfectly the emotion and purpose of what wine is all about, a living art form to be shared and bring people together. The 2005 Masseto is rich with herbaceous layers of kirsch, thyme, worn leather, and menthol. It is fleshy and full, with mocha and black truffle, and is still flush with ripe fruit that coaxes through the mid-palate, with present and firm structure. There is still enough life left in it to go at least another decade. Drink 2022-2032."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Fruit was picked later than normal and the Masseto Merlot does indeed show mature aromas of black cherry, ripe blackberry, earthy iron and polished stone. The intensity and purity are amazing and the wine is sophisticated, soft and very rich on the finish. It is already showing beautiful evolution in the glass."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2005 Masseto (Merlot) is simply gorgeous. A wine of extraordinary class and personality, it remains very primary in its dark fruit, licorice, cassis and toasted oak. It offers notable concentration and well-integrated tannins, all of which convey an impression of awesome harmony, finesse and balance. The tricky growing season seems to have been less of an issue for the Merlot, particularly in the old-vine Masseto Centrale vineyard. The 2005 Masseto has been superb every time I have tasted it thus far. As is often the case, the wine requires at least a few years of bottle age before it becomes approachable. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."

WINE SPECTATOR: "An exotic bouquet reveals floral, spice, cherry compote and truffle elements. A Masseto that's all about elegance, with a silky texture, wild berry fruit, firm tannins and bright acidity. This still has some tannins to give, but is delicious now. Fine length. Merlot. -- Non-blind Masseto vertical (October 2017). Drink now through 2033. 2,660 cases made, 550 cases imported."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium/full bodied with some noticeable heat, red and black fruits, licorice, cherry, herbs, earth and spice, there was a minor sensation of dryness in the finish. I've enjoyed other vintages of Masseto much more."