- 98 points -

- 96 points -

The 2016 Scrio is a fruitier Syrah than the 2015, which was more about the pepper and the savory spice. The 2015 was broader, while this wine is more linear and classic. It boasts more depth and brings a lot of earthy tones, and it's generally a much more vertical wine than the 2015. This is a very precise, beautiful and detailed expression of Syrah that shows a very generous disposition overall. In fact, this wine harnesses the exuberant abundance of the grape and channels it with extreme elegance. Some 3,900 bottles were made.

- 96 points -

Intense aromas of blackcurrants, spices and black licorice with some lavender and rosemary. It’s full-bodied and layered with chewy, polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Black pepper comes through. It’s tensioned and structured. Nicely proportioned. Try after 2023.

- 95 points -

- 95 points -

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.

- 95 points -

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.

- 95 points -

Il convient de noter que le Scrio n'a pas été fabriqué en 2014, car la Syrah n'a pas atteint la bonne maturité pour la qualité recherchée par Le Macchiole. La saison de croissance 2015 n'a pas été beaucoup plus facile, avec 15 jours de chaleur extrême en juillet. Le mois d'août a apporté un temps plus frais et ils ont donc essayé de ralentir le processus de maturation en faisant très peu de vendanges vertes. Ce millésime est marqué par plus de poivre que de fruit, mais c'est quand même un bel effort, et je vois beaucoup de potentiel pour vieillir ce vin. Le Scrio 2015 est fait avec une approche plus réductrice dans l'ensemble, et ce millésime a besoin d'un an ou deux pour s'ouvrir complètement.

- 94 points -

- 93 points -

Scrio is one of the few 100% Syrahs from Bolgheri and has great personality. Few similarities could be found with other Syrah from around the Mediterranean coasts. It's a floral expression with green pepper, spice and candied orange aromas. The 2016 displays a light grace on the palate with creamy tannins and lively acidity. It lacks a bit of flavour definition on the finish but will develop complexity with bottle ageing. Can enjoy now.

- 93 points -

Aromas of scorched earth, cassis, leather and eucalyptus form the nose along with a whiff of lead pencil. On the forward palate, velvety, fine-grained tannins accompany dried cherry, prune, black pepper and vanilla. Showing the heat of the vintage, this is already accessible but also offers several years or more of fine drinking. Enjoy through 2027. 

- 92 points -

Good varietal character marks this Tuscan Syrah, featuring flavors of blackberry, smoky bacon, wild herb and ink married to a firm, dense structure. Balanced and long, with iron and spice accents lingering. Best from 2021 through 2030. 300 cases made, 35 cases imported. — BS

- 90 points -

Scrio, the 100% Syrah wine of Le Macchiole, is completely changed in style, with the amount of new French oak reduced from 100% to just 15%. From its concentrated character to the drinkability of today, it seems to be more Hermitagé than Cote-Rotie in style. Intensely spicy on the nose, it has notes of black olives, black peppers and flowers. In the mouth it shines for its red fruit flavour alongside curry notes and a sweet finish. The tannins are ripe yet slightly dusty. Light bodied despite the vintage, this is a deliciously easy-drinking wine.

Drinking Window 2020 - 2025

- 16 points -

Marked vanilla-cream and chocolate notes from oak, which mask varietal character. Fair freshness, with blue and black fruit, but not really clearly Syrah. A bit something-and-nothing. Decent length though