2011 Messorio

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.

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.

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. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com