2018 Le Macchiole, Scrio, Toscana IGT, Italy ($223)

100% Syrah

This deep, spicy red was first produced in 1994, and the inspiration for its creation was the desire to produce a 100% Syrah, one of Le Macchiole’s favorite grapes. Ours too! This wine is very rare and produced in very small quantities. Scrio quickly became a benchmark Syrah in Bolgheri. The name of the wine, inspired by a Tuscan expression that means “pure, candid, whole,” perfectly describes its defining characteristics. Drinking Window: 2022- 2040.

Le Macchiole is one of the historic wineries in Bolgheri, and over the years, it has become a reference point for quality Tuscan wine. Founders Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli were among the region’s pioneers. They contributed significantly to Bolgheri’s growing fame thanks to their work in creating wines full of character and personality that have become a symbol of the region. In contrast to their renowned neighbors who focused on Bordeaux blends, the Campolmi's focused on achieving the purest expression of individual varieties, crafting distinct wines of unprecedented quality. Soon Le Macchiole joined Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Guado al Tasso as one of the most prestigious estates in Bolgheri. (Adapted from the winery’s website.) You can also find the their trio of beauties: Scrio, Messorio, and Paleo here.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

98 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Scrio is a pure expression of Syrah and one of the wines that broke the mold on this grape grown in coastal Tuscany (I would put the Syrahs from Tua Rita and Duemani in the same category). This is such a delicious wine, and you want to bite into it, sip after sip, as if it were food. There is sweetness here, ample spice, tons of dark fruit and a long, luscious finish. I came back to the open bottle a day later and discovered Christmas spice and savory leather. This Tuscan Syrah shies away from the more prominent white pepper or smoked bacon aromas that you sometimes get from this grape, especially in New World expressions. I'm all about Le Macchiole's Syrah.

2009 Tua Rita, Syrah, Toscana, Italy ($252)

100% Syrah

Hand-crafted by the esteemed winemaker Luca d'Attoma, Tua Rita Syrah is a beautiful expression of this noble variety. Yields are kept to a minimum to ensure flavor concentration. Remarkably layered and complex, this Syrah is pure harmony in the glass and a must-have for every collector of fine Tuscan wines. Deep garnet in color, notes of ripe blackberries and plums complement undertones of figs, black pepper, and violets. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins and flavors that unfold into a lush finish. This wine is at its peak now; no need to further cellar age. Perfect for this holiday season.

In 1984 Rita and Virgilio realized their lifelong dream of purchasing the property that became Tua Rita, located in Suvereto, a small medieval town in the Tuscan province of Livorno, on the coast south of Bolgheri, in the Val di Cornia. The winery lies just 300 feet above sea level on clay, silty soil. The original two hectares of vineyards have been cultivated meticulously since the beginning; this rigorous and passionate care colocated Tua Rita among the most successful producers labeled as “vins de garage.” In less than a decade, they had extended the property up to nine hectares, then twenty; nowadays, the totality of the planted vines includes thirty hectares. Luca D'Attoma, the estate’s winemaker, keeps yields to a minimum to ensure the concentration of flavors. The estate’s total annual production of all wines is just 3400 cases.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

94 Points – James Suckling

Blackberry, cracked pepper, and graphite aromas and flavors, with hints of vanilla and toast, highlight this muscular red. Firmly structured yet resonates with the long raspberry aftertaste. The lasting impression is purity and ripened fruit. 208 cases made, 50 cases imported to the US. Drink 2014-2025.

PLEASE NOTE

• Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older and be present with an ID upon delivery.

• Price includes 5.50% Maine State sales tax and Maine’s fifteen-cents redemption deposit per bottle.

• If your billing address is different from your delivery address, please include your delivery address in the comments section at checkout.

• *Delivery is by Wine Wise—not third-party carriers. Our delivery area is Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. We have a larger delivery area for Wine Club deliveries.