Le Macchiole, Messorio 2011

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

A pure expression of Merlot, the 2011 Messorio is a gorgeous wine that is already drinking at near-optimal performance now. It will be exciting to see where five to ten more years of cellar evolution take it. Cinzia Merli and her vineyard team took care to harvest the early-ripening varietal before autumn heat spikes. In fact, the integrity of the fruit is impeccable and you don’t get any of the jammy notes that are common in this warm vintage. The bouquet is broad and approachable with intense cherry, chocolate and tobacco. Supporting aromas of cola, grilled herb and exotic spice flesh out the finish. The tannins are plump and sweet.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

Cinzia Merli tells me that this vintage was not as hot as initially portrayed. In fact, she says harvest came earlier in 2012 following the summer heat (compared to 2011). The 2011 Messorio is the result of a slightly later growing season that was extended thanks to some cooling rains in June and July. This is a smooth and balanced wine that does not show any of the jammy or overtly sweet notes you get with Merlot in parts of central Tuscany. The bouquet is redolent of cherry, leather, tobacco and plum. There are lingering mineral notes that add definition and focus. Again, this wine shows an excellent quality of tannins with long-lasting softness, silkiness and textural finesse.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2011 Messorio takes hold of all the senses and never lets up. Rich and explosive to the core, the 2011 boasts stunning intensity and depth. Today, the 2011 is painfully young and packed with tannin. Even with all of its size, the 2011 retains gorgeous aromatic complexity and tons of nuance. This is a fabulous showing from Le Macchiole.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Good full ruby.  Initially reduced aromas of coffee and cocoa, with very ripe dark fruit and vanilla notes emerging with aeration. Very savory, rich and dense, with ripe black fruit and herb flavors joined by rising dark currant, mocha, marzipan and mineral elements on the complex finish. Tannins are youthfully chewy. D’Attoma says that Messorio should never be touched for at least two years after bottling as it needs to settle down and smooth out. Although 2011 was a warm year, this is a much better showing for Messorio than was the 2009, another product of a hot year.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

Good full ruby.  Initially reduced aromas of coffee and cocoa, with very ripe dark fruit and vanilla notes emerging with aeration. Very savory, rich and dense, with ripe black fruit and herb flavors joined by rising dark currant, mocha, marzipan and mineral elements on the complex finish. Tannins are youthfully chewy. D’Attoma says that Messorio should never be touched for at least two years after bottling as it needs to settle down and smooth out. Although 2011 was a warm year, this is a much better showing for Messorio than was the 2009, another product of a hot year.

james_suckling95

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Amazing aromas of sexy, decadent fruit with blackberry, dark chocolate and cedar. Full body with fine tannins and a long, long finish. Drink or hold. Better in 2015.