Le Macchiole Messorio 2017 (96 W&S)
“The 2017 growing season at this Bolgheri estate was hot and exceptionally dry, with almost no rain from the beginning of May until the end of August. According to proprietor Cinzia Merli, this required a strict selection of the small berries at harvest, with yields coming in about 20 to 25 percent below average. The merlot for Messorio seems to have emerged from this cauldron unscathed, retaining scents of violet and lavender and surprisingly bright acidity that enlivens the rich purple-fruit tones. The tannins, though initially prominent, begin to soften with air as the wine takes on notes of black olive and licorice. This should continue to flesh out with a few years in the cellar.” (S.J 12/21)
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Le Macchiole
Le Macchiole Messorio 2017
Toscana IGT
Messorio, a Merlot monovarietal, is the winery’s crown jewel. Its initial vintage was 1994, and since then it has received extraordinary acclaim, including a 100-point score from the Wine Spectator for the 2004 vintage. The name Messorio refers to the ancient Tuscan practice of wheat harvesting, the most important time of the year in the Bolgheri countryside - once it referred to wheat; these days, it is all about grape harvesting.
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Le Macchiole
Bolgheri, Italy
Le Macchiole can best be defined as the “Boutique Bolgheri.” The winery is known for its spectacular single-varietal wines, and their signature grape varieties are Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc and work is always conducted with the priority being "the expression of the land." The winery continues to evolve in both the vineyards and in the cellar to allow the soil characteristics from this estate property to be the defining identity in the wines.
