The 2003 Messorio (100% Merlot) is simply stunning. Voluminous and expansive on the palate, it offers rich layers of jammy dark fruit, plums, cassis and toasted oak with extraordinary length and an utterly seductive personality. While it may not have the complexity or detail of the very finest vintages, it does offer much pleasure in the very ripe style of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2015. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

This is an expertly crafted Merlot that offers much in terms of intensity, charm and personality. You could drink it with a fork and knife because its concentration is dark, plush and extracted with care. Pristine aromas of flower petal, red fruit, molasses and spice are rounded off by an outstanding mouthfeel consisting of extraordinary length and polished tannins.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 94