The 1999 Masseto is a throwback to a more classic, cooler style—refined, complex, and full of character. With earthy notes of black tea, forest floor, olives, and dark fruit, it delivers an old-school charm that’s still going strong. Not as plush as some modern vintages, but its balance, structure, and savory depth make it a compelling bottle for those who appreciate nuance over power. A real gem for collectors who love a wine with soul.

Decanter | D 97
Published: Nov 4, 2024
Drink: 2024-2039

This is very much a ‘traditional’ Masseto – less overtly ripe and with a cooler profile. Combined with its tertiary character, the 1999 proves to be a classy and complex Masseto with lovely balance and good energy. Aromas of black tea, sottobosco and savoury black fruits lead into an intense, briny palate of green olive, anchovy, herbs and concentrated dark fruits. Very much still alive and offering plenty of interest, this is a compelling vintage of Masseto.

James Suckling | JS 95
Published: Oct 20, 2014

This is sometimes overlooked by Masseto lovers. It shows the precision and finesse of a top Masseto with firm tannins and bright blueberry and violet character with a long fresh finish. It's full-bodied, and so very polished with wonderful texture. Drink or hold. Decant a couple of hours before serving.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Dec 31, 2002
Drink: 2007-2019

The dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Masseto offers a fabulous bouquet of sweet oak, black raspberries, blackberries, currants, new wood, and licorice. Firmly-structured and medium to full-bodied yet remarkably elegant, this impressive beauty needs 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age for 15+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2019.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Nov 4, 2024
Drink: 2009-2026

A very special vintage with lots of blue still in the colour. Very cold winter. Late budbreak, no summer stress. Cooler vintage.
Glowing deep colour. Just a tiny bit tired on the palate. Marco excuses it: ‘the grapes were perhaps less phenolically ripe then than nowadays.’ There’s some green-fruit flavour here. But also a little bit of age. It’s very different from today’s vintages, rather rude drying finish. Just a little brutal.

Masseto.com

To open a bottle is to unleash a liquid kaleidoscope. A rare combination of sumptuous opulence and polished elegance.
As a tribute to its rugged force, its softness, and the debt it owes to the soil from which it rises, Masseto was named after the rock-hard clusters of blue clay called ‘massi’ that form on the vineyard’s surface.

- 1999 -
Winter was slightly colder than in 1998, with budbreak delayed until around late March.

During spring temperatures and rains were within the norm, with flowering and growth similar to the previous year. Flowering took place at the end of May.

The excellent climate during late spring resulted in a better-than average fruit set. A hot summer without rain led to veraison one week earlier than in previous vintages, with very consistent fruit.

Harvest started during the second week of September and lasted 7 days under ideal weather conditions.