Masseto, Tenuta dell`Ornellaia, Bolgheri

Note:

The vintage that was too cool inland but produced some lovely, just-ripe-enough wines in Bolgheri. Each vineyard lot was vinified and aged separately. The grapes were destemmed and gently pressed before fermentation in wooden casks where maceration took place over a period of 20–25 days and during which time the wine completed its alcoholic fermentation at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C. The wine was then racked and introduced into new French oak barriques where it completed its malolactic fermentation and remained for 24 months. The wine was then bottled and remained in the cellars for a further 12 months before release.
Very deep crimson. Aromatic and Cabernet Franc-like on the nose. Lovely combination of Merlot ripeness and the vintage’s freshness. At a perfect stage of evolution. Tighter and more focused than the 2001.