2007 - Messorio, Le Macchiole, Toscana

The 2007 Messorio is another standout. A super-ripe expression of fruit is balanced with considerable structure, delicacy and finesse, with scents of mocha, graphite, French oak, licorice and new leather that emerge over time. Over the last few months the Messorio has absorbed its oak beautifully. The finish is long, nuanced and utterly impeccable. That said, this remains an intense, towering wine in need of a long slumber. The 2007 isn’t one of the more massive Messorios, instead it is a wine built on elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Le Macchiole crafted some of the most successful wines in Bolgheri in 2007. Proprietor Cinzia Merli and long-time consulting oenologist Luca D’Attoma continue to make important strides, as the estate seems to be heading for a less obvious, decidedly elegant style than has sometimes been the case in the past. A conversion to biodynamic farming in some of the estate’s vineyards and a more enlightened use of French oak are among the recent developments at Le Macchiole. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

(100% merlot; 14% alcohol) Deep red. Fresh blackberry and dark cherry aromas are complemented by fresh mint, coffee, smoke and black pepper. Dense but suave, with sweet black cherry and dark chocolate flavors nicely framed by supple tannins and brightened by harmonious acidity. Finishes fresh and focused, with lingering dark cherry and mint notes and an obvious coconut nuance. This is a slightly sweeter, less herbal and less wild style of Messorio than usual, and an excellent example of the higher-alcohol, riper style of merlot typical of the Tuscan coast.