Le Macchiole : Messorio 2014

Gaining accessibility, this red offers plum, earth, leather and tobacco flavors. Though firm, the tannins are softening, and it shows an essence of ripe fruit and iron on the finish. Merlot. Drink now through 2023. 61 cases imported.

A little lean for Messorio but plenty of tobacco, cedar and berry character. Medium body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to come together. Better in 2019.

The 2014 Messorio is another very pretty and expressive wine from Le Macchiole. The 2014 has lovely mid-palate density, especially for the year, along with a decidedly exotic passion fruit/apricot quality that will only grow as the wine continues to develop in bottle. I expect the 2014 starts to drink well relatively early, but it also has enough freshness and balance to hold for a number of years. Hints of truffle, raspberry jam, blood orange and spice infuse the layered, creamy finish.

The 2014 Messorio (100% Merlot) was slightly shy and slow to open when I tasted it as a barrel sample about eight months before this tasting. I can’t say the wine has opened up much since then. It still shows a tight and slightly austere bouquet with dark fruit, spice, and leather. You don’t get that quintessentially soft side of the grape. Instead, this Merlot feels a bit thorny and prickly in places due to the much cooler growing conditions. The mouthfeel is less opulent and layered compared to the warmer vintages we’ve seen in the past. This wine definitely won’t be ready to drink for a few more years.