Wine Advisor
Le Macchiole, Messorio 2009
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Messorio (Merlot) emerges from the glass with dark cherries, plums, mocha, smoke, incense and grilled herbs. There is plenty of power and depth, but little of the character that makes Messorio a great wine in its best vintages. In short, there isn’t a whole lot to get excited about, and I can’t remember the last time that was the case with Messorio. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. I tasted Le Macchiole’s 2009s several times, all with the same results. The 2009 vintage was a difficult one in Maremma because of the hot summer. All of Le Macchiole’s top wines are single-varietal bottlings, which means there is not much that can be done in the cellar to adjust blends, something so many other wineries are able to do in challenging vintages. Overall, the 2009s don’t reach the heights that are customary at Le Macchiole. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Messorio (Merlot) emerges from the glass with dark cherries, plums, mocha, smoke, incense and grilled herbs. There is plenty of power and depth, but little of the character that makes Messorio a great wine in its best vintages. In short, there isn't a whole lot to get excited about, and I can't remember the last time that was the case with Messorio.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is the best Messorio in years with such wonderful richness and race with chewy tannins. Plenty of subtle dark chocolate and berry character. It’s very complex with undertones of rosemary, spices and sea salt. Savory. Super long and powerful. What fruit. Leave it until at least 2016. Not released until 2013.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
I have tasted this wine a number of times and it ranges from 97 to 98 points in my scoring. The subtlety and depth to this is amazing. Aromas of ripe fruit, chili powder, and toasted oak with hints of rosemary follow through to a full body, with very fine tannins and a long finish. Integrated and attractive now, but better in 2014.
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.
