Le Macchiole : Scrio 2012

Shades of vanilla and whiskey cask frame the violet aromas and black cherry and raspberry fruit in this polished red. Dense, lively and balanced, with the aftertaste echoing fruit and black pepper. Has the concentration to age. Syrah. Best from 2018 through 2028. 42 cases imported.

A decadent Syrah with loads of meat, dark fruits and hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, round and chewy, yet leading to a very long finish of fruit that turns to black pepper. Drink or hold.

The 2012 Scrio is decidedly lithe in this vintage, with gorgeous aromatics and terrific overall balance. Rose petal, white pepper, mint and red-fleshed stone fruit unfold in a mid-weight, gracious Scrio built on understated finesse.

Made entirely with Syrah, this has aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, French oak, leather and cedar. The full-bodied palate offers cured meat, dried blackberry, ground pepper and anise alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.

The 2012 Scrio is a unique and, dare I say, atypical expression of Syrah. The bouquet presents big intensity with cola, balsam herb and licorice. At the back are tones of tar, Teriyaki sauce and barbecue smoke. I don't think I have ever tasted a Syrah quite like this. It shows a level of balsam intensity that I have never previously encountered. The bouquet glows with Tuscan sunshine.