Le Macchiole Toscana Messorio 2021

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Messorio (Merlot) is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Dark, layered and enveloping, the 2021 boasts notable textural richness from start to finish. Dark red-toned fruit, spice, mocha, new leather and licorice fill out the layers effortlessly. There’s plenty of energy and depth to balance some of the more overt qualities. These days, Messorio is not as opulent as it was during the 1990s when it became an iconic wine in Italy, but the natural suitability of Maremma for producing exotic, sumptuous Merlots simply can’t be denied. The 2021 spent 16 months in French oak barrels, with a small amount of the wine (7%) that was aged in stoneware amphora. It is a superb effort from Le Macchiole. Drink: 2029-2041. (Feb 2024)"

98 points Danielle Callegari (Wine Enthusiast): "[$350 list] Implacable is the word that comes to mind at the first sip of the 2021 Messorio. Making wine in Bolgheri has only gotten more complicated in the last vintages, and most people would point to Merlot vineyards as the place the impending storm will first hit, but like a lighthouse whose light is better appreciated not despite but because of inclement conditions, Le Macchiole's Messorio seems to shine more brightly under duress. A beacon of light. Drink 2028–2041, or when you find yourself on a dark path. Alcohol 14.5%. (Dec 2024)"

98 points Falstaff Guide: "Powerful, bright ruby with a fine purple shimmer. Intense and inviting nose, full of blackberries and blueberries, with fine spice notes of cedar wood and pine cones. Very well-defined fruit on the palate, juicy and crisp, lots of fine tannins, spanning a wide range of notes, fine spice touch on the finish. (Oct 2024)"

97 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$350 list] Plum, pomegranate and blackberry fruit is framed by toasty oak and vanilla notes in this fresh, brilliant red. Iron and tobacco accents add detail as this cruises to the long, saturated finish. The tannins are present yet within bounds, leaving a mouthcoating impression. This is more about finesse than power, showing poise and length. Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2046. 920 cases made, 75 cases imported. (10/15/24)"

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "This wine represents Le Macchiole's homage to Merlot. The 2021 Messorio is a classic wine with firm lines and an almost glossy texture owing to the very warm but balanced conditions of this growing season. The fruit is bold and expressive with deep layers of Amarena cherry that transition to toasted spice, brown sugar and even a hint of olive oil focaccia. Similar to the Paleo (Cabernet Franc) and Scrio (Syrah) made by Cinzia Merli, this wine has a floral signature that reminds me of freesia (with the peppery notes) or a green calla lily. The tannins are very polished and fine-tuned. Of the five taste elements we perceive—sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness and umami—the Messorio is all umami. I prefer this Messorio to the 2021 Masseto that I tasted in the same flight. Drink: 2026-2050. (2/15/24)"

96+ points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The dark red 2021 Messorio has similar depth and complexity, with aromas of blackberries, red plum, turned soils and savory herbs. The palate is rich and layered as well, with a plush richness in its chalkiness, and it’s much more expressive at the moment, with aromas of cedar, plum, mocha, and leather. It’s full-bodied and expands through the palate, with broad-shouldered tannins, mouthwatering saltiness, and a savory and mineral-noted finish that lasts long on the palate. This is a commanding vintage of this wine that will take time to unfurl. Drink: 2027-2050. (3/18/25)"

96 points James Suckling: "A vivid merlot on the nose with plum, berry, clove and cedar aromas, as well as undertones of bark and five spices. Full-bodied yet balanced and energetic, with driving acidity and fine tannins that frame the wine nicely and add energy and verve. Sweet tobacco to the fruit. Best after 2029. (7/22/24)"

96 points Raffaele Vecchione (WinesCritic.com): "Open and dynamic on the palate, it displays notes of black plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, sage, bergamot, coriander, juniper berries, black pepper, chopped almonds, incense, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Full-bodied, with soft, perfectly ripe, well-polymerized tannins and a dynamic, essential finish. Splendid in the glass, it has a winning progression. Drink now or age. (Nov 2024)"

95 points James Button (Decanter): "Messorio, Le Macchiole's pure Merlot expression which, in 2021 shines bright with energy and perfume. Made in much the same way as Paleo, it's a blend of two plots and six vinifications. Scents of Mediterranean scrub, sweet cherry, violet, plum and spice ring out, while the tight, grainy palate promises bright, vibrant and fleshy fruits once bottle age has relaxed it. A superb Merlot. Drinking Window: 2025-2039. (8/2/24)"