Le Macchiole : Messorio 2019

Well-marked by new oak at this stage, with vanilla and toasty spices wrapped around a core of plum, black cherry, earth and cedar. Graceful and balanced, turning firmer on the persistent finish. This is all about the purity of fruit, finesse and length. Decant now or age this 2-3 years. Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038. 920 cases made, 75 cases imported.

Bright cassis, straw and graphite on the nose — all the more open-knit characters typical of Merlot in the solarity of Bolgheri. The concentration of fruit packs a punch on the dense, fleshy palate, with a tight oaky, slightly chalky, austere character alongside velvety tannins and a graceful cedarwood finish. Assertive yet integrated acidity keeps the alcohol in balance. Great ageing potential.

Clear notes of plum and hazelnut come through on the nose, with hints of tar and black coffee. It’s full-bodied, with ripe berry and cappuccino flavors. Chewy yet fine tannins. Merlot. Try after 2028.

The 2019 Messorio marries the natural opulence of Merlot on the Tuscan Coast with a feeling of finesse I don’t think I have ever seen here before. There is plenty of depth and resonance, but none of the heaviness that was so in vogue for many years. Dark cherry, plum, spice, mocha and lifted floral notes build into the racy, exotic finish. (Originally Published in March 2022)

This Messorio 2019 from Le Macchiole is a delightful wine. It has plenty of sweet oak spice aromas with vibrant cassis and a hint of blackcurrant leaf. The nose is shy at first and is not revealing much at the moment, but it is concentrated, and you can tell there is plenty to come. On the palate it is tangy, lively, and vibrant with a lovely texture and quality to the tannins. The 2019 is more concentrated than the 2018 and has huge potential to be really fine and age well for at least 15–20 years. This 100% Merlot comes from a 2.5-hectare plot and the typical production is 10,000 bottles. Drink 2024–2047.

Le Macchiole is always identifiable by its death-defying acts of balance and the Messorio is no exception. Cherries, cranberries, wild herbs and soil on the nose carry through onto the palate before pepper, charred meat and a juicy spiciness come out on the finish. Tannins that are unwinding with ease and a discernible heat keep things exciting; a delight right now but watching what happens next will be worth the wait.