The iconic Italian Merlot. It was created almost by accident in 1986, when it appeared promising to make the Merlot of the Masseto vineyard on its own. In the first vintage, it was simply called Merlot, however, in 1987, it was given the name of its legendary vineyard, thus becoming Masseto. It’s a seven-hectare plantation with three parcels, three types of soils, which all add something different to the wine: one area provides the strong backbone, the second substance and power, the third the characteristic aromas. The grapes harvested from each part are processed and fermented separately, then aged in new barrels for a year. Next, after being blended, it spends another year in the barrels, and finally rests in the bottle for a year before being put on the market. It’s an extraordinary wine with exceptional ageing potential, which has been a legend almost since its birth. 

Wine Spectator: 98 points, James Suckling: 99 points.