Masseto Toscana IGT 1997 – Legendary 97-Point Vintage from Bolgheri

☀️ Heat, Hype, and the Rise of a Legend

1997 was one of Tuscany’s warmest and most celebrated vintages—a solar year that gave birth to some of the most opulent and expressive wines ever made on Italian soil. And Masseto? Masseto went full beast mode.

This is Merlot that could outmuscle Pomerol, seduce Napa, and still finish with a distinctly Italian soul. Bold, brooding, yet elegant, Masseto 1997 is a landmark in Italian wine history—and still has the structure to keep going.

💬 Critic Reviews

97 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Daniel Thomases)
“An utterly compelling Masseto, packed with ripe plum, dark chocolate, and Mediterranean herbs. Opulent and dense with seamless integration of fruit and oak. Monumental.”

97 Points – Wine Spectator
“Rich and powerful with layers of ripe fruit, tobacco, and spice. A long, caressing finish. Outstanding wine.”

96 Points – James Suckling (Tasting Retrospective)
“Big and bold, but still refined. Blackberries, leather, and espresso with velvety tannins and serious presence. Masseto proving its world-class status.”

🍷 Tasting Notes

• Color: Opaque ruby with garnet rim

• Nose: Black cherry, ripe plum, espresso, cedar, and tobacco leaf

• Palate: Full-bodied and intense with lush fruit, savory undertones, and a textural richness that coats the palate

• Finish: Endless. Earth, spice, and dark fruit stretch long after the last sip

🍇 Why This Vintage Matters

If 1998 was the critic’s darling, 1997 was the revolution. Masseto staked its claim not just as the best Merlot in Italy, but as one of the greatest wines in the world. In a vintage known for power and polish, it delivered both — with zero compromise.

📦 Wine Specs

• Grape: 100% Merlot

• Region: Bolgheri, Toscana IGT, Italy

• Producer: Tenuta dell’Ornellaia – Masseto

• Vintage: 1997

• ABV: 14.0%

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Cellaring: Drink now–2035 (still going strong)

🍽️ Pairing Power Moves

• Dry-aged porterhouse with rosemary jus

• Venison with black cherry gastrique

• Truffle risotto or foie gras terrine

• A fireplace, a leather chair, and absolute silence

This is the bottle that made Masseto a household name for collectors.
1997 wasn’t just a year — it was the arrival of an icon.

Grab it while you still can. This one’s for the vault.