Wine Advisor
Le Macchiole, Messorio 2010
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2010 Messorio is another superstar in this blockbuster vertical of Italian Merlot greatness. This was a hot vintage that has resulted in a softly contoured and more immediate wine. You can either drink it in the near term or put it in your cellar for safe keeping. In fact, in my initial review I had assigned a shorter drinking window but I am revising that prediction here. This year saw a greater choice in cooperage houses and a move towards more barrels from François Frères among others. Maceration times were also tweaked to go a little longer, up to 30 days. Again, the winery shifted philosophies to focus on concentration and sophistication. Oak-aging was extended to 20 months. Thanks to these changes, this edition of Messorio excels in depth and finesse.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2010 Messorio will shed its baby fat and some of those pronounced oak tones as it unwinds in the cellar. This is an expertly crafted Merlot that offers so much in terms of charm, intensity and finesse. The opulence of its dark fruit and black cherry is offset against lingering tones of spice and leather. You'll need to wait a bit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Cinzia Merli and her expert team (with consulting enologist Luca D'Attoma) have this extraordinary capacity of transmitting the poise and grace they possess as people to the wines they make. Unlike many others in the area, Le Macchiole reported excellent results in 2010 and started harvest in many blocks just a few days later than normal thanks to slow and steady fruit ripening at slightly cooler temperatures. The 2010 vintage, they inform me, may be their best yet this century. For my tastes, 2010 does indeed show exceptional balance but I wouldn't put it ahead of standout vintages like 2007 and 2004. Importer: Domaine Select Wine Estates; www.domaineselect.com
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2010 Messorio boasts stunning depth and richness. Over the last few months, the 2010 has found a new level of finesse that wasn't apparent earlier this year. Hints of dark cherry, plum, cloves and tar flesh out on the huge, powerful finish. Although the 2010 is years away from offering its finest drinking, its class and personality are impossible to miss. Patience will be a virtue.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A wine with great structure and muscular tone. It's full-bodied with chewy tannins that remain polished and very pretty. The length and fruit are fantastic; it goes on for minutes. Pure merlot. Better in 2016.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A wine with great structure and muscular tone. It is full-bodied with chewy tannins that remain polished and very pretty. The length and fruit are fantastic; it goes on for minutes. Pure merlot. Better in 2016.
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.
