Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Time has not been kind to the 2005 Scrio, Le Macchiole's 100% Syrah. Smoke, tobacco, game and black pepper open up, but the 2005 never comes together. The fruit has begun to fade, while elements of rusticity have developed in its place. History has shown the Scrio to be the most irregular of the Le Macchiole wines in terms of how it ages. I was not at all surprised when proprietor Cinzia Merli told me she was moving much of her Syrah production to newly developed hillside vineyards and away from the flats of Bolgheri. Any remaining bottles of the 2005 need to be finished off. The 2005 wasn't an especially strong wine, even when it was first released, but nonetheless, I expected more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Syrah is a variety that thrives in hot weather, so it is not entirely surprising that 2005 was an especially challenging vintage for Le Macchiole's Scrio. It offers attractive notes of mint, toasted oak, chocolate and dark fruit framed by well-integrated, silky tannins. The wine improves with air, yet a hint of dilution remains in this small-scaled, slender Scrio.
Syrah is a variety that thrives in hot weather, so it is not entirely surprising that 2005 was an especially challenging vintage for Le Macchiole's Scrio. It offers attractive notes of mint, toasted oak, chocolate and dark fruit framed by well-integrated, silky tannins. The wine improves with air, yet a hint of dilution remains in this small-scaled, slender Scrio. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Le Macchiole releases its wines later than most estates on the Tuscan coast, so readers will find the 2004s in the market, while the 2005s are due to arrive this Fall. Proprietor Cinzia Merli and long-time oenologist Luca D-Attoma have turned out a glorious set of 2004s. The 2005 vintage proved to be much more challenging as the damp, fresh growing season made it hard to achieve full ripeness. These are pretty wines, but they aren't quite at the level of the estate's finest efforts. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799
Syrah is a variety that thrives in hot weather, so it is not entirely surprising that 2005 was an especially challenging vintage for Le Macchiole's Scrio. It offers attractive notes of mint, toasted oak, chocolate and dark fruit framed by well-integrated, silky tannins. The wine improves with air, yet a hint of dilution remains in this small-scaled, slender Scrio. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Jun 2008, www.robertparker.com