Le Macchiole 2016 Paleo, Toscana IGT

Le Macchiole can best be defined as the “Boutique Bolgheri.” The winery is known for its spectacular single-varietal  wines. Paleo Rosso  has  been  called  Italy’s  landmark  expression  of  Cabernet  Franc.  This  grape  variety  is  growing  internationally as a distinct bottling, but Bolgheri has proven to be the single best place in the world to do so. The Mediterranean climate and surroundings result in a wine of extraordinarily expressive, sensual, and textural fruits and savory spices. Grapes for this 2016 were sourced from four of the estate’s five vineyards. The wine was fermented in concrete and stainless steel tanks and aged 18 months in oak barriques, 75% new.


Decanter Magazine scored this 96 points saying "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."


The Wine Advocate scored this 97 points saying "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."


Wine Enthusiast Magazine made this a Cellar Selection and scored it 97 points saying "Made entirely with Cabernet Franc, this radiant red opens with intense aromas of black currant, Mediterranean scrub, blue flower and camphor aromas. On the supremely elegant palate, supple tannins and bright acidity accompany cassis, black raspberry, crushed herb and licorice before a cedar finish. It’s smooth, radiant and delicious, with great energy."


Vinous scored this 98 points saying "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."