100% merlot Started in 1986 (called Red), and from 1987 is called Masseto which is also the vineyard name

Some notes from the Wine Experience tasting;

95 - Sweet nose, with sweet tannins 93

96 - Closed nose, not big in fruit 90

97 - Very good nose, more fruit than the 1995 vintage, sweeter tannins 94

98 - Closed nose, moderate tannins, good fruit 94

99 - Excellent nose, very good balance, sweet tannins 95

00 - Closed nose, only has a front palate attack, almost no mid body 92

01 - Sweet ripe nose, very tannic but fill with fruit. Needs five more years 97

02 - Totally different. Tobacco nose, ripe fruit, maybe overripe, med body. They said a difficult year 91

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Orlando

Orlando - Thanks for the TN's. I was just about to start a thread asking if anyone that attended the full NYWE could post TN's on the Masseto. You said the '00 had a closed nose. I tasted this back in July and found the nose to be incredible; new leather, blackberries, with hints of roses. Totally unlike any other merlot I had experienced before. I agree on the front palate attack and the finish was a bit short. I also agree on the 92P.

How long had the Masseto vertical been decanted? Wish I could have joined in on this tasting.

quote:

Originally posted by Longboarder:
How long had the Masseto vertical been decanted? Wish I could have joined in on this tasting.

Not sure, but it must have been more than an hour because the seminar took a full hour and they must have decanted before it started and when the last vintages were serve, another 40 minutes must have passed.
Excellent experience.
The one I noted to be different was the 02 which had the clear tobacco nose, and more bordeaux flavor and nose.

Thanks for the notes. I have the '99, '00 and '01 sleeping. From your experience, any suggestions on "drinking windows" for these vintages?

Also, I see you list Puerto Rico as home. I travel to PR on a quasi-monthly basis. Maybe we could have dinner and drink some wine together. I really enjoy Allegro and their wine list is impressive for the island.

Yes, give me a call and will plan something.
It is better to carry the wine to restaurants. I never buy wines at reaturants due to the double price.
Use my e-mail odejesus at pol.net

00 - I don't think it will improve. Drink or hold for any time.

01 - Needs five more years 97

02 - Can drink now, or wait a few years to see if it changes

quote:

Originally posted by orlando:
Yes, give me a call and will plan something.
It is better to carry the wine to restaurants. I never buy wines at reaturants due to the double price.
Use my e-mail odejesus at pol.net

E-mail sent.

Thanks for the notes Orlando. I have the '97 and '01 in inventory. I may open the '97 this winter. The '01 I have slated for 2011-2012. I got one each of these last xmas as presents from my father. What a guy

IW