2020 Le Macchiole Messorio Toscana IGT, Magnum (1.5L)

JD98 "Deep red with magenta highlights, the 2020 Messorio is the most complete of these wines aromatically on opening and seems to disprove the idea that Merlot is struggling in this region as climate change takes its hold. Luxurious and profound, it slowly reveals harmonious layers of polished leather, chocolate-covered cherry, Amarena cherry, rosemary, and crushed flowers. Full-bodied and impeccably well-detailed, it has mouthwatering mineral accents and fresh fruit through a long finish. This would be a great wine to include in a blind tasting with the great wines of Bordeaux. With undercurrents of black olive, dark obsidian-like earth, and a finish that lasts for ages, this profound and complex wine is going to be one to age for decades. Drink 2026-2050.

One of the benchmark wineries of Bolgheri, Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli purchased this 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.

AG97 The 2020 Messorio is fabulous. Once an opulent, full-throttle wine, Messorio has grown into a much more reserved Merlot these days. Tense with tons of energy, the 2020 appears to have a very bright future once it comes together a bit more fully. I very much admire the vibrancy here. The 2020 spent 18 months in 100% French oak, with 5% of the wine aged in amphora.