Le Macchiole Paleo 2016

Professional Ratings

• 98 Jeb Dunnuck

  Pouring a jewel-like deep ruby hue, the 2016 Paleo is rich with kirsch, mineral earth, graphite, and game. It is full-bodied and has a velveteen texture, with ripe fruit through the mid-palate and notes of incense, cassis, liqueur, iron-rich earth, and a touch of vanillin oak spice. Long and persistent, with and elegant, lasting perfume, this wonderful expression is ripe with structure and fine tannins.

• 97 Wine & Spirits
  A benchmark cabernet franc from Bolgheri since it was first bottled as a single-variety wine in the 2001 vintage, Paleo knocked it out of the park in 2016. Moderate temperatures, cool evenings and rain at opportune moments yielded a wine with perfectly ripe flavors of plum and black cherry that crackle with energy. The wine shows varietal hallmarks of graphite, tobacco leaf and black pepper, even as the rich fruit tones and wild-thyme notes recall Bolgheri’s sun-soaked coast. Seamless, with lively acidity and a long, vertical finish, this is a vintage to seek out for your cellar, or to look for on top Italian wine lists
• 97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  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.
• 97 Wine Enthusiast

  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. Drink 2022–2036.

• 96 Decanter
  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.
• 95 James Suckling
  Really beautiful black fruit with freshly roasted coffee-bean aromas that follow through to a full body with silky and lightly chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Decadent. Cabernet franc.
• 93 Wine Spectator

  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.