The Le Macchiole 2017 Scrio is a pure expression of Syrah that shows more similarities to the variety when grown in France than it does California, Australia or even the rest of Tuscany for that matter. Instead of the peppery charred meat or barbecued aromas you often get in New World Syrah, this wine points to blackberry, some black olive, rum cake, crème de cassis or chocolate-covered cherries. Although the wine is varietally pure, it doesn't really scream Syrah in any sort of obvious or banal manner. The tannins are more gripping in this hot vintage, and the wine spreads over the palate with a creamy, almost waxy texture that is enduring and deep.

The 2017 Scrio, Le Macchiole’s Syrah, is fabulous. As always, Scrio is more a wine of the estate than a varietal expression of Syrah. That is obvious. Even so, the wine’s density, persistence and overall complexity make it compelling. Time in the glass brings out hints of cedar, smoke, sweet pipe tobacco and rose petal to play off a core of vibrant red Syrah fruit. I would give the 2017 a few years for the aromatics to develop. This is very nicely done. Sadly, the year required severe selection that reduced production by around 40%. The 2017 was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in a combination of cask and 600-liter barrels.