Le Macchiole's 2004 Scrio (Syrah) is a wild, exotic wine that flows from the glass with a compelling array of earthiness, mint, dark fruit, herbs, espresso and toasted oak. This sweet, layered wine possesses superb clarity and detail with an incredible lightness on the palate that is achieved notwithstanding its density. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
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.
Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799