The 2009 Messorio (Merlot) emerges from the glass with dark cherries, plums, mocha, smoke, incense and grilled herbs. There is plenty of power and depth, but little of the character that makes Messorio a great wine in its best vintages. In short, there isn't a whole lot to get excited about, and I can't remember the last time that was the case with Messorio. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 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.
Wine Spectator 2012 (93 Punkte)
On the herbal side, but that meshes with the cherry, currant and cedar aromas and flavors, providing a Bordeaux-like profile. Elegant and harmonious, featuring a discreet, underlying structure, with fine balance and length. Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2024. 85 cases imported. -BS
