Messorio 2004 75cl

Beautiful, subtle aromas of berries, cappuccino and black olive are amazing. Full-bodied, with ultrarefined tannins and a long, long finish. Goes on for minutes. Leaves me speechless. This is soulful. A Tuscan cult wine you don't want to miss. Merlot. Best after 2012. 710 cases made. JS

The 2004 Messorio is clearly the most complete of these 2004s. It is a remarkably elegant Messorio endowed with a seamless, layered personality that exudes generous dark plums, prunes, mint, licorice, smoke, chocolate and toasted oak. Despite its considerable appeal, it is a powerful, structured wine with a significant tannic backbone that will require patience. It shows well-integrated tannins, superb balance, and a seductive, inviting personality that is absolutely irresistible. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. 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.