La Massa, Toscana 2021 - Half Dozen

50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, Alicante Bouschet and Petit Verdot, all picked and vinified separately, before blending and ageing in 20% new French oak barrels and tonneaux. The wine was then given another 12 months in tank before bottling in January 2024. A very expressive nose opens out with a glorious red berry perfume of wonderful elegance and freshness. There is an underlying tension and some savoury flair, leading to a concentrated palate that offers up dark red fruits, red berries, cherry, liquorice, menthol, sweet spicing and a sense of minerality. Power, purity and great length, this will drink from 2025 and over the coming decade or so.

What the critics say

The 2021 La Massa is superb. Dark cherry/plum fruit, new leather, tobacco, licorice, mocha and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. I can’t wait to taste this with a bit more time in bottle. Best of all, La Massa is a terrific value. The 2021 is one of the best vintages yet from this estate. I can’t think of too many wines in Tuscany that offer this much value for the money. 94/100 2025-2036 Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2024