Wine Advisor
Le Macchiole, Messorio 2020
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2020 Messorio is shaping up with extra softness, opulence and textural richness. Merlot has been one of the historic favorites at this leading Bolgheri estate, and the team is well versed in making pleasurable wine from the variety. In fact, maceration times have been carefully extended to draw out more flavor and richness without ever becoming too heavy or overdone. This remains magically true even in a hot vintage like 2020. The tannins are dry and polished, and this wine has already entered a phase of enormous finesse despite its nascent stage.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Made with Merlot, the 2020 Messorio is a profound and richly textured wine that has become one of vintner Cinza Merli's flagships. Ripe fruit, dark cherry, oak spice and toast converge with balanced intensity to characterize this generous expression from Tuscany. The issue with Merlot, especially in a hot vintage such as this, is ripeness or, specifically, over-ripeness. Messorio navigates a challenging growing season with flying colors.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Messorio is fabulous. Once an opulent, full-throttle wine, Messorio has grown into a much more reserved Merlot these days. Tense with tons of energy, the 2020 appears to have a very bright future once it comes together a bit more fully. I very much admire the vibrancy here. The 2020 spent 18 months in 100% French oak, with 5% of the wine aged in amphora.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Intense aromas of sandalwood, lavender, crushed stone, ink pot and blue fruit follow through to a medium body, with lovely tannins and tension that add energy and vibe. Excellent freshness for 2020. Blackcurrants, black olives and violets in the aftertaste. Drink after 2027.
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.
