772 | Wine | Merlot, $100 and up

"The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality."

"A very powerful and rich Merlot-based red that delivers so much currant bush, tobacco and toasty oak character. Full and layered. Goes on for minutes on the palate."

"The 2009 Galatrona is a beautifully centered wine. It shows terrific energy, freshness and vibrancy from start to finish. Cassis, blackberries, mint, spices and new leather are all woven together nicely in the 2009. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support the finish. Although quite overt today, the 2009 appears to have the structure to age well for a number of years. The 2009 is a serious wine with a bright future. Both bottles I tasted were immensely pleasing"

"Somewhat tightly knit, but it reveals a perfumed nose of rose petals, blackberries, menthol, and cedar. This broad, sweet 2003's supple attack is followed by a tannic mid-section."

"Still young and unformed, it exhibits phenomenal richness and equilibrium as well as a finish that lasts nearly a minute. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notions of black fruits, forest floor, truffles and spring flowers."

"Offers pretty notes of coffee, mocha, herbs, and chocolate intertwined with abundant berry fruit." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"A very powerful and rich Merlot-based red that delivers so much currant bush, tobacco and toasty oak character. Full and layered. Goes on for minutes on the palate."

This wine was named #11 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance."

"The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality."

"The wine reveals distinctive black cherry and berry notes intermixed with chocolate, mocha, caramel, and scorched earth. The wine is full-bodied, fleshy, but has underlying acidity and a long, layered finish. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15+ years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.