Today we share one of the bigger styles of winemaking that you will see in the Pacific Northwest, led by Chilean born winemaker Matias Kusulas. Michael Ruhland, and winemaker Kusulas have founded this project that is now has been running for several years. The first wines were not as good as what is currently released — these have improved considerably since the winery’s inception.
Matias sources from some top sites in the Royal Slope AVA, including the Thunderstone and Stoneridge Vineyards. The wines have big, bold flavors and loads of texture — yet maintain good underlying freshness.
I love the new 2021 ‘Facade’ White Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a stunning wine with loads of flavor range made from Pinot Noir grapes. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at massalto.com and here are my reviews of the new Massalto wines.
2021 Massalto ‘Sauvalanche’ White Wine- The 2021 Massalto ‘Sauvalanche’ White Wine is a decadent combination of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Mango, passion fruit and creme brûlée notes combine with shades of juicy starfruit and baking spices on the nose. The palate is dense and layered with great sweetness and underlying finesse, with salty nuances. This is delicious. Drink 2025-2031- 94
2021 Massalto ‘Irreverant’ Viognier- 100% Viognier, the 2021 ‘Irreverant’ shows rich melon and tropical fruits on the nose alongside pie crust and cardamom. The palate is heady and rich with terrific mouthfeel and underlying tension. This is just a joy to drink right now. Drink 2025-2032- 94
2021 Masalto ‘Facade’ White Pinot Noir- Coming from the Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA, this spent 22 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. Salted peach, pie crust, kumquat zest and Yakima cherry flavors mingle well with nutty and stony accents on the palate. Dense and rich with an unctuous texture, this is absolutely stunning that has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95
2021 Masalto ‘Interstellar’ Mourvedre- This 2021 Mourvèdre comes from the Thunderstone Vineyard and saw all whole cluster fermentation. This was carbonic macerated, offering orange peel and red currants alongside wild strawberry notes on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2021 Massalto ‘System Instability’ Tempranillo- The 2021 Massalto ‘System Instability’ Tempranillo comes from the Stoneridge Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. This is rich, dark and layered with hoisin sauce, oyster mushrooms and shades of blackberry compote and black olives alongside smoked meats on the palate. A gorgeous wine that is showing brilliantly right now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 94
2021 Massalto ‘Artisan’ Malbec- The 2021 ‘Artisan’ comes from the Royal Slope AVA and was stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling. Inky in the glass, this delivers juicy purple flowers and chocolate on the power with graphite, tar and cuban cigar. Dense and rich with good finesse, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 94
2021 Masalto ‘The Point of No Return’ Grenache- The 2021 ‘The Point of No Return’ was stored for 22 months in 30% new French oak and comes from the Thunderstone Vineyard. This is gorgeous and pleasurable wine with a terrific combination of red and dark fruits that mingle well with baking spices and Satsuma orange zest. This is just drinking brilliantly right now. Drink 2025-2033- 95
2021 Masalto ‘Side Effect’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Side Effect’ Syrah is a dense, decadent and layered effort that is showing brilliantly right now. Black Forest cake mingles well with orange peel, sweet pipe tobacco and shades of blackberry compote on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94