Cinzia Merli tells me that this vintage was not as hot as initially portrayed. In fact, she says harvest came earlier in 2012 following the summer heat (compared to 2011). The 2011 Messorio is the result of a slightly later growing season that was extended thanks to some cooling rains in June and July. This is a smooth and balanced wine that does not show any of the jammy or overtly sweet notes you get with Merlot in parts of central Tuscany. The bouquet is redolent of cherry, leather, tobacco and plum. There are lingering mineral notes that add definition and focus. Again, this wine shows an excellent quality of tannins with long-lasting softness, silkiness and textural finesse.