Tenuta dell`Ornellaia Masseto 1991

Tasting note: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - Masseto 1991

Appearance

A noble weathered garnet red with shimmering copper tones and a hint of old gold on the rim - like a painting that has gently darkened over decades. The colour tells of maturity, but the clear brilliance and the viscous "tears" in the glass reveal a surprising vitality for a 33-year-old Merlot.

Nose

A bouquet of melancholic beauty: dried plums, dried figs and a pinch of orange peel combine with tertiary aromas of truffle, old leather and damp tobacco. Underneath, notes of toasted almond, balsamic vinegar and a smoky spiciness reminiscent of dying embers in an oak barrel resonate. Delicate floral remnants - wilted violets - and a mineral coolness reminiscent of the salty wind of the Tuscan coast come together with the air.

Flavour

A texture of velvety complexity unfolds on the palate. The once dominant tannins are now completely transformed into silk, carried by a slender but precise acidity. Layers of flavour of preserved blackberry, dried cherry and cocoa combine with nuances of cedar wood, black tea and an umami depth reminiscent of reduced game stock with truffles. The terroir makes itself known with a cool minerality - fleeting notes of slate and clay - which gives the wine an almost sculptural structure.

Finish

The finish is long and thoughtful. Flavours of roasted coffee, bitter almond and a delicate bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate persist for minutes. The mineral character dominates at the end, accompanied by a hint of salty freshness, as if a sea breeze were blowing through the finish.

Overall judgement

The Masseto 1991 is proof of the alchemy of great winemaking. In a vintage characterised by cool temperatures and wet conditions*, Ornellaia succeeded in shaping a Merlot of timeless elegance. Time has smoothed its angular edges, but the soul of the wine - its mineral depth and secretive intensity - remains unchanged. A wine that is not drunk, but rather explored: a silent dialogue between transience and resilience.

Score: 95/100
Drinking maturity: At its peak - open now to experience its complex maturity, or leave in cool rest for another 3-5 years.

Drinking recommendation:
Serve at 16-17°C in large Bordeaux glasses, decant carefully to separate deposit. Ideal with venison with juniper jus, truffle risotto or mature pecorino al tartufo. A wine for quiet reflection and conversations that make you forget time.

"A Masseto that transforms the poetry of failure into triumph - a monument to the magic of the Bolgheri terroir."

Background: 1991 was a cool, rainy year in Tuscany that required extreme selection. Masseto proved at the time that greatness is possible even under difficult conditions - if you have the courage to refuse to compromise.