2011 Scrio

Readers who haven't tasted Scrio in a few vintages will be taken aback by the 2011. Once an inky, super-concentrated wine, today's Scrio is all about finesse. Crushed flowers, rose petals, sweet red berries and mint are some of the many notes that blossom in a wine built on nuance and varietal expression. Hints of black pepper, game, lavender, menthol and smoke develop in the glass, adding further layers of complexity. Cool-climate aromatics meet the pure power and breadth of Bolgheri in an utterly compelling Syrah with a bright future. Of all the Macchiole's wines, Scrio is the one wine that has changed the most in recent years. The 2011 represents a move in a very different direction. It will be interesting to see where that road leads.

The 2011 Scrio (100% Syrah) is the vintage darling. The wine boasts abundant varietal character with black fruit and Morello cherry in center stage. Asian spice and barbecue smoke round off the edges and the wine delivers a lavish dose of crushed stone, soda, blue flower and smoked bacon as well. It stands tall with wide shoulders supported by finely etched tannins, thick concentration and a bright spot of acidity on the long finish. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com