Messorio, Le Macchiole 2010

The 2010 Messorio is another superstar in this blockbuster vertical of Italian Merlot greatness. This was a hot vintage that has resulted in a softly contoured and more immediate wine. You can either drink it in the near term or put it in your cellar for safe keeping. In fact, in my initial review I had assigned a shorter drinking window but I am revising that prediction here. This year saw a greater choice in cooperage houses and a move towards more barrels from François Frères among others. Maceration times were also tweaked to go a little longer, up to 30 days. Again, the winery shifted philosophies to focus on concentration and sophistication. Oak-aging was extended to 20 months. Thanks to these changes, this edition of Messorio excels in depth and finesse.