Tuscan Collectibles: Le Macchiole Messorio – The Wine

Le Macchiole’s pure Merlot, Messorio, is a captivating wine. I am always surprised how elegant and refined it seems with the first sip, but then it shows such polished strength from its racy tannin structure. In late June, I tasted the 2008 and 2009 Messorio with the wine estate’s owner, Cinzia Merli. I love the way she described the wines and the two vintages, and what she expects from Messorio as a winemaker.

Messorio is my No. 8 wine on my list of the 12 Best Tuscan Collectible Wines. The wines are not released on the market until two years in bottle. Here are my tasting notes:

2009 Le Macchiole Toscana Messorio: This is the best Messorio in years with such wonderful richness and race with chewy tannins. Plenty of subtle dark chocolate and berry character. It’s very complex with undertones of rosemary, spices and sea salt. Savory. Super long and powerful. What fruit. Leave it until at least 2016. Not released until 2013. 98 points. 

2008 Le Macchiole Toscana Messorio: This is layered and juicy, with lots of chocolate and berries and loads of other stuff. Full and velvety, with a long finish. Racy, beautiful and vibrant. Pure Merlot. Give it another three years or so. On the market in 2012. 96 points.