Wine Advisor
Le Macchiole, Messorio 2014
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2014 Messorio (100% Merlot) was slightly shy and slow to open when I tasted it as a barrel sample some eight months previous to this tasting. I can't say that the wine has opened much since then. It continues to show a tight and slightly austere bouquet with dark fruit, spice and leather. You don't get that quintessentially soft side of the grape. Instead, this Merlot feels a bit thorny and prickly in places due to the much cooler growing conditions. The mouthfeel is less opulent and layered compared to the warmer vintages we have seen in the past. This wine definitely will not be ready to drink for a few more years.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The Merlot grape shows a lovely sense of versatility that makes it especially precious in a difficult vintage like this. The 2014 Messorio is a precise and linear wine. Instead of obvious cherry and spice, the wine puts forth an atypical bouquet with points of floral intensity and crushed white peppercorn. This grape shows the acidity and freshness of the cooler side of the vintage with the plump roundness obtained during those warm weeks, just prior to harvest time. Careful work was completed in the winery including up to ten smal- batch fermentations. The final blend borrows from the best batches. Fruit is sourced from two high-density vineyards, Puntone and Vignone, that range from 5,000 to 10,000 plants per hectare.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2014 Messorio is another very pretty and expressive wine from Le Macchiole. The 2014 has lovely mid-palate density, especially for the year, along with a decidedly exotic passion fruit/apricot quality that will only grow as the wine continues to develop in bottle. I expect the 2014 starts to drink well relatively early, but it also has enough freshness and balance to hold for a number of years. Hints of truffle, raspberry jam, blood orange and spice infuse the layered, creamy finish.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A little lean for Messorio but plenty of tobacco, cedar and berry character. Medium body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to come together. Better in 2019.
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.
