The 2000 Messorio is a textbook example of high level Merlot, blackish in color, sweet and plummy on the nose with a full panoply of vanilla, chocolate, and sage notes, dense, concentrated, sustained, and textured on its velvety palate. Drink: 2005-2020.Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Here’s a great start to this vertical of one of Italy’s most celebrated Merlots. The 2000 Messorio occupies a perfect place in its evolution with just enough fruit at its core to feel alive. It also shows sophisticated tertiary notes that underline its pedigree and evolution. It is profoundly beautiful in its current drinking phase. From this vintage up until 2007, smaller oak vessels were used. The percentage of new oak is tweaked according to the vintage but the updated incarnation of the wine sees anywhere up to 70% new oak. The 2000 vintage was a hot one and considerable canopy management was implemented to protect the fruit from sunburn. Dark fruit and plum is enhanced by ground espresso, candied orange, toasted almond and dusty mineral notes.