2018 Masseto

100% Merlot. Saturated ruby colour. Bold and succulent on the nose, with poached plums and roasted dark cherries bursting forth. There are also tones of espresso and dark chocolate, as well as a little pepper. The palate is rippling with muscle, the mouth-coating and dense tannins providing ample structure for fruit that is both intense and deep. Ripe black fruit, cinnamon and sweet baking spices all come through. This is hedonistic, full-throttle Merlot, but despite the ripeness and power it is not overblown. Very impressive and very long. (TP)

This is extremely perfumed with flowers, cherries and blackberries, as well as hints of lavender. It’s full-bodied, yet so refined, linear and racy. Pure silk. The texture is every so polished. Succulent and subtle fruit at the end. New wood showing now. A sophisticated Masseto that shows balance and harmony. Builds with tannins at the finish. Needs time to come completely together. Try after 2025.

Axel Heinz turning out yet again a wine that is generous and moreish but that goes deeper, offering layers of coffee, smoked herbs, rosemary, saffron, gentle waves of powerful brambled fruits. Mouthwatering, with tension and precision. Finely spun tannin that are elastic in embracing and taming the exuberant fruits yet chewy enough on the finish to show there is plenty of ageing ability ahead. Makes a big impression and yet has that Italian ability to be gulpable at the same time. A more elegant, moreish version of Merlot than you get in the biggest Pomerols, but every bit as beautiful. 11ha.