2010 Le Macchiole Rosso

The 2010 Bolgheri Rosso (Merlot/Cabernet/Syrah) shows good up-front richness and power supported by chalky tannins. Dark red fruit, flowers, licorice and spices build to the expressive finish. The 2010 harvest was full of challenges. Part of the fruit was harvested before the rains, and part was picked later. In 2010 the Bolgheri Rosso comes across as a bit light-weight and feminine. It is best enjoyed over the next 2-4 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. I tasted Le Macchiole’s 2009s several times, all with the same results. The 2009 vintage was a difficult one in Maremma because of the hot summer. All of Le Macchiole’s top wines are single-varietal bottlings, which means there is not much that can be done in the cellar to adjust blends, something so many other wineries are able to do in challenging vintages. Overall, the 2009s don’t reach the heights that are customary at Le Macchiole. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799