Wine Advisor
Le Macchiole, Messorio 2004
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Messorio is a bit of a mystery in this tasting. The silkiness and gorgeous perfume that are the hallmarks of the vintage are clearly present, but the wine is marred by elements of cork taint that worsen over time. What a shame, as the 2004 is one of my all-time favorite Messorios.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
This three-year jump forward in time brings us to a whole new identity for this great Tuscan Merlot. The 2004 Messorio feels outright youthful and has not reached anywhere near the same tertiary intensity that you get with 2000 and 2001. Given the heat and the general hardship of the 2003 vintage, Le Macchiole found itself in front of great challenges in 2004 as well. High yields were an issue and enormous work was achieved to cut back on grape vigor and production. This vintage also marks a stylistic shift for Messorio. From this point on, the wine shows greater sugar levels and higher concentration. This is evident in the strong build and deep footprint on display here. This is a gorgeous edition of Messorio that shows a touch of Tuscan rusticity and true grit.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Messorio is a bit of a mystery in this tasting. The silkiness and gorgeous perfume that are the hallmarks of the vintage are clearly present, but the wine is marred by elements of cork taint that worsen over time. What a shame, as the 2004 is one of my all-time favorite Messorios.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Messorio is clearly the most complete of these 2004s. It is a remarkably elegant Messorio endowed with a seamless, layered personality that exudes generous dark plums, prunes, mint, licorice, smoke, chocolate and toasted oak. Despite its considerable appeal, it is a powerful, structured wine with a significant tannic backbone that will require patience. It shows well-integrated tannins, superb balance, and a seductive, inviting personality that is absolutely irresistible. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Le Macchiole releases its wines later than most estates on the Tuscan coast, so readers will find the 2004s in the market, while the 2005s are due to arrive this Fall. Proprietor Cinzia Merli and long-time oenologist Luca D-Attoma have turned out a glorious set of 2004s. The 2005 vintage proved to be much more challenging as the damp, fresh growing season made it hard to achieve full ripeness. These are pretty wines, but they aren't quite at the level of the estate's finest efforts. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Messorio is a bit of a mystery in this tasting. The silkiness and gorgeous perfume that are the hallmarks of the vintage are clearly present, but the wine is marred by elements of cork taint that worsen over time. What a shame, as the 2004 is one of my all-time favorite Messorios.
About the Producer
“Le Macchiole is renowned for its Messorio which is without a doubt one of Italy’s most charismatic Merlots.” - James Suckling Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole was one of the first wineries to be established in Bolgheri, in Tuscany. The ongoing development of this 24 hectare, organically farmed estate, has enabled the winery to become a leading Italian brand. Now under the leadership of Cinzia and her talented team, there is a rigorous approach to everything that they do. This shows itself in championing single varieties in their very top wines, in planting density and viticulture, harvest and wine making. One variety, one wine, is the philosophy adopted by the winery. All the Macchiole’s top wines are single-varietal bottling: Using Syrah to produce Scrio, Merlot to make Messorio and the Cabernet Franc is kept for the iconic wine, Paleo Rosso, recognized as one of the finest examples of Bolgheri winemaking.
