Ornellaia Masseto Merlot 2005

Falstaff: Glänzendes, sattes Rubin mit Violettschimmer. Sehr ansprechende, fast pralle Nase, satt nach reifen Brombeeren, etwas Heidelbeeren, dazu Nuancen von dunkler Schokolade, feines Zedernholz. Zupackend und stoffig am Gaumen, viel sattes, dichtmaschiges Tannin, entfaltet sich in feinen Schichten, viel reife Beerenfrucht, dazu kommen feine würzige Komponenten, salzig und mit toller Spannung versehen, ein Traumwein. 99/100 (2019)

James Suckling: This is a Masseto that is its own now with balance and harmony. It shows delicate chocolate and berry character with hints of hazelnut. Medium to full body. Long silky finish. 96/100 (2014)

Wine Enthusiast: Fruit was picked later than normal and the Masseto Merlot does indeed show mature aromas of black cherry, ripe blackberry, earthy iron and polished stone. The intensity and purity are amazing and the wine is sophisticated, soft and very rich on the finish. It is already showing beautiful evolution in the glass. 95/100

Robert Parker: The 2005 Masseto (Merlot) is simply gorgeous. A wine of extraordinary class and personality, it remains very primary in its dark fruit, licorice, cassis and toasted oak. It offers notable concentration and well-integrated tannins, all of which convey an impression of awesome harmony, finesse and balance. The tricky growing season seems to have been less of an issue for the Merlot, particularly in the old-vine Masseto Centrale vineyard. The 2005 Masseto has been superb every time I have tasted it thus far. As is often the case, the wine requires at least a few years of bottle age before it becomes approachable. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. It is impossible not to be impressed by the consistent results Ornellaia achieves year after year. This is a gorgeous set of wines from oenologist Axel Heinz and agronomist/General Manager Leonardo Raspini. In general, the estate’s 2005s are smaller-scaled wines than is often the case, but they offer remarkable balance and plenty of style. As outstanding as the 2005s are, the 2006s are simply off the charts. They are thrilling wines that have tons of everything; fruit, acidity and structure to burn. Even though 2005 was a fresher vintage than 2006, Heinz reported that the 2006s have higher acidities that developed as a result of the unique qualities of the growing season. 94/100 (2008)

Jancis Robinson: Marco Balsimelli, the winemaker: ‘this was a special, late vintage. Flowering was early and then weather was hot and then some cold, rainy weather so harvest was not until mid September.’ Incredibly dark crimson – looks much younger than the 2006! Certainly balsamic notes. Very juicy and saline with masses of tannin still. Still very youthful! Slight furriness on the end. 17.5/20 (2024)