Le Macchiole : Scrio 2018

The 2018 Scrio is a pure expression of Syrah and one of the wines that broke the mold for this grape grown on the Tuscan coast (I would put the Syrahs from Tua Rita and Duemani in the same category). This is such a delicious wine, and you want to bite into it, sip after sip, as if it were food. There is sweetness here, plenty of spice, loads of dark fruit, and a long, luscious finish. I returned to the open bottle a day later and found Christmas spice and savory leather. This Tuscan Syrah steers away from the more prominent white pepper or smoked bacon aromas you sometimes get from this grape, especially in New World expressions. I’m all about Le Macchiole’s Syrah.

A glycerin-textured red heralded by a beam of raspberry, blueberry and kirsch. Offers violet, lilac and oak spice details as this remains fresh and long on the finish. Syrah. Drink now through 2028. 245 cases made, 35 cases imported.

The 2018 Scrio is different from recent vintages as Le Macchiole no longer manages some of the old vines of Syrah dedicated to this wine. However it's still a delicious, aromatic red to drink now. Its ester-y nose, with bright cassis and green pepper is supported by crisp, almost zesty acidity, graceful tannins – despite the extraction – with cassis and black olive flavor. A wine with a light profile, a crunchy style, and an almost rough finish.

Pretty, subtle aromas of berries and sweet green tobacco follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins and a bright, fresh finish. Very balanced and fine. Drink or hold.

The 2018 Scrio is brilliant. Fresh, translucent and so expressive, the 2018 dazzles from the very first taste. Although Scrio is Syrah, it is best described as a wine of Le Macchiole. There is not a ton of varietal character, and yet that in no way detracts from the immense pleasure the wine provides. Bright red cherry, blood orange, mint and rose petal linger. I can't wait to taste this with a bit more age.