Two bottles of Le Macchiole Messorio — one of Italy's most celebrated and collectible 100% Merlot wines, from the pioneering estate that helped define the identity of Bolgheri. Founded by the visionary Eugenio Campolmi in 1975 and today led by his wife Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole set out to prove that Bolgheri could produce world-class single-varietal wines rather than Bordeaux blends. Messorio, first produced in 1994, is the estate's crown jewel — 100% Merlot from the Vignone and Puntone vineyards, aged 18 months in new French oak. The name refers to the ancient Tuscan practice of wheat harvesting. The 2004 vintage received a perfect 100 points from Wine Spectator. The 2018 delivers a more reserved, linear and mineral profile — wet stone, herbes de Provence, red plum, red raspberry and menthol, with a compact, focused palate of energetic drive and lovely mineral texture. Described as "no less complex" than other vintages, with "a more linear approach that is attractive." Best from 2025. The 2019, from one of Tuscany's finest recent vintages, is richer and more expansive — plums, hazelnuts, tar and black coffee on the nose; full-bodied with ripe berry, cappuccino flavors and chewy yet fine tannins. Described as "may be the best representation of Merlot in Italy outside of Masseto." Best from 2028.