Masseto 2016 IGT Ornellaia Toscana 750ml

2016
As is often the case in recent years, the winter of 2016 was characterised by unusually warm weather with heavy rainfall in February. Budding arrived on time in the last
week of March. The abundance of water in the soil and the warm weather in April favoured rapid and normal vegetative growth of the vines. In May, temperatures returned to
normal, slowing growth slightly and leading to flowering in the last week of May in dry, sunny weather, perfect for good fruit set. Summer temperatures were normal with very
little rain causing considerable water stress towards the end of the ripening phase. The usual mid-August storms were also absent, prolonging the water stress throughout
the early part of the harvest. Fortunately, the remarkably cool temperatures during the night allowed the vines to recover from the heat of the day. Maturation proceeded
smoothly with excellent phenolic potential and a balanced sugar/acid ratio. The harvest began on 24 August with the youngest vines. In September, the few rainfalls provided
the soil with sufficient water to complete the harvest in practically perfect conditions. The older vines of the 'Masseto centrale' benefited from this situation, continuing their
ripening until the third week of September. The last plots were harvested on 20 September.
TASTING NOTES: 2016 was a textbook year for Masseto, with a typically Tuscan coastal climate that saw a dry and sunny growing season, with plenty of sunshine and
just the right amount of rain for perfect ripeness. The 2016 has a particularly intense young colour, and on the nose the intense aroma of ripe dark fruit blends with subtle
notes of cocoa and spices. On the palate, the rich, dense structure of ripe, silky tannins is balanced by a sensual, vibrant fruit note and lively acidity that keeps the long
finish clean and full-bodied.