2016 Messorio
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Messorio is rich, expressive, and beautifully tailored. Ripe with lush fruit of boysenberry, plum, and candied violets, and a bit of vanilla bean spice, it is very pleasant and attractive. It is full and inviting on the palate and ripe with velvety tannins, and it offers elegant, polished notes of sweet plum, spice, and a lightly saline and long finish. Drink 2025-2045. One of the benchmark wineries of Bolgheri, Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli purchased the estate in 1983 and planted their first four hectares of vines. Today, Cinzia Merli is joined by her two sons, Elia and Mattia, who work together to run the estate. Their holdings now consist of ten parcels, eight in Bolgheri and two in Bibbona, just to the north. In the vineyards, they practice organic farming while also implementing some biodynamic practices. Paleo Rosso’s first vintage was in 1989, before becoming exclusively dedicated to Cabernet Franc in 2001. Today, they make some of the most compelling ranges of single varietal wines. Messorio is dedicated to Merlot, Scrio to Syrah, and Paleo Rosso to Cabernet Franc.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
With the 2016 Messorio, Le Macchiole moves from a wine of unctuous power to one of total refinement. Aromatic, translucent and striking in its nuance, the 2016 is flat out stunning. The flavors are fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated. More than anything else, through the 2016 shows the present-day Macchiole style off to great effect. Another year in bottle has done wonders for the Messorio, which is even more arresting in its beauty today than it was last year.
100% Merlot. Vanilla, mocha and plum, with a subtle herbaceous, tobacco lift. Firm, grainy tannins and a good-length, mocha finish. Well crafted. (TJ)
Shows very ripe aromas on the nose with lightly burnt oranges, black olives and fresh dark berries and hints of walnuts, yet the palate is driven and very bright with ultra-fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows definition and tension. Drink in 2021 and onwards.