Paleo 2014

LE MACCHIOLE

Paleo
2014

  • Organic
Country
Italy
Regulated designation
Indicazione geographica tipica (IGT)
Region
Tuscany
Appellation
Toscana
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Franc 100 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website

About this winery

Situated in Toscana’s hotbed of famous estates, Le Macchiole’s modest 11 hectares produces some of the most consistently outstanding wine in Bolgheri. The quality-focused dedication from owner Cinzia Merli Campolmi and wine consultant Luca D' Attoma has yielded outstanding results. Le Macchiole has been bottling fine wine since 1975, their production gained momentum in 1984 when Bolgheri wines really began enjoying world-wide acclaim. In 1992 , Le Macchiole’s 'Paleo’ tied for first...

See the LE MACCHIOLE detail page for more information on this brand

Press reviews

Vinous

- 98 points -

Antonio Galloni, March 2020 (Vintage 2016)

A wine of breathtaking beauty, the 2016 Paleo Rosso possesses off the charts vertical intensity. Sweet floral and spiced notes soar out of the glass in a stunning wine endowed with fabulous depth in all of its dimensions. Cedar, mocha, rose petal, red plum and menthol are bright and beautifully sculpted. Paleo Rosso shows just how profound Cabernet Franc can be on the Tuscan Coast. This is a superb edition of the wine that, in my view, is the Macchiole flagship. The 2016 saw 30-35 days on the skins, followed by malolactic fermentation in cement and 18 months in French oak.

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Wine Advocate

- 97 points -

Monica Larner, (Vintage 2017)

The Three Graces of Le Macchiole are Messorio, Scrio and Paleo (Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, respectively). Of these three top-tier releases, my favorite is the 2017 Paleo. This is an upright and direct expression of the grape that carefully sheds some dusty or mineral aromas before opening the way for determined black fruit, charred meat, spice and cured tobacco or cigar. There is quite a bit of oak, but it works beautifully against the natural intensity and rich concentration of the hot vintage. More unexpected are those pretty tones of lilac, blue flower and aniseed that add to the detailed rendering and complexity of the bouquet. This wine won my heart.

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Wine Advocate

- 97 points -

Monica Larner, May 2019 (Vintage 2016)

Here's another pure varietal expression, this time Cabernet Franc, and it is one for the ages. The 2015 edition of the Paleo was hot with nutty notes, whereas the 2016 Paleo is tighter and fresher. There is tension and precision here, rendering beautifully pastoral tones of green olive and herbs. You'll pick up notes of moist earth along with some spice. The freshness is truly epic, with well-integrated tannins. When you hit the licorice tones, you'll finally appreciate the depth and dimension of this wine. This is a true beauty, with enormous depth, concentration and power.

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James Suckling

- 97 points -

December 2018 (Vintage 2015)

Le nez de ce Bolgheri Rosso regorge de fruits, allant du parfum de mûre et de la compote de cerise noire aux éléments plus frais du romarin, de la lavande, des pierres chaudes et des agrumes. Un corps plein avec des fruits généreux, mais le squelette de tanin ferme et magnifiquement tissé maintient le palais fin et élégant. Très longue finale. À boire en 2024.

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Vinous

- 96 points -

Antonio Galloni, (Vintage 2017)

The 2017 Paleo Rosso is superb. It is also the wine in this range that seems to have handled the rigors of 2017 best. Then again, that is the magic of Cabernet Franc on the Tuscan Coast. The aromatics alone are so alluring. Sweet pipe tobacco, mocha, dried flowers, mint, sage and cedar give Paleo its aromatic lift. Some varietal character has been baked out because of the heat of the year. In exchange, readers will find a Paleo Rosso that will drink well with just a year or two in bottle. The 2017 was fermented in cement and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, 90% new with light toast.

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Decanter

- 96 points -

Richard Baudains, (Vintage 2016)

Paleo in its secretive pre-release stage. The pure red fruit hidden away in the depths of the wine hints at the elegant complexity of which Cabernet Franc (100%) is capable in Bolgheri. Soft and round with great volume on the palate and an infinite finish. A long-distance runner.

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Decanter

- 95 points -

Aldo Fiordelli, (Vintage 2017)

A slight decrease in quantity on 2017 from 27,000 to 24,000 bottles due to the heat and the selection process. The result is a dark wine dominated by dried eucalyptus leaf and vermouth depth, with bright cassis flavours followed by cedar wood. It's full bodied and refreshing, with thick tannins and a slightly austere finish.

Drinking Window 2020 - 2040

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James Suckling

- 95 points -

(Vintage 2017)

Aromas of currants and fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and basil, follow through to a full body with layers of ripe tannins and a chewy finish. This is just a baby now and needs three or four years to come around. Try after 2024.

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Wine Spectator

- 93 points -

October 2020 (Vintage 2016)

Aromas and flavors of black currant, bell pepper, cedar and lead pencil shavings abound in this red. Expressive and elegant, with a supple texture matched to a firm backbone of tannins and acidity. Offers a lingering spicy aftertaste. Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 2,100 cases made, 200 cases imported. 

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 Wine Enthusiast

- 92 points -

Kerin O'Keefe, (Vintage 2017)

The nose is initially shy but eventually reveals aromas suggesting leather, cedar, Mediterranean brush and espresso. The firm, full-bodied palate shows the heat of the vintage, offering dried blackberry, roasted coffee bean, licorice and grilled sage. Compact, close-grained tannins grip the finish.

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Jancis Robinson

- 17 points -

February 2020 (Vintage 2016)

Clove and cinnamon notes from oak are quite dominant on the nose, though some spicy, tobacco leaf and ripe black cherry varietal characters are there too. Attractive freshness, with more black cherry, tobacco and a touch of mint. Quite fine tannins carry this through nicely. An appealing wine. 

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