Le Macchiole Paleo 2018
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Winemaker Notes
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.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
You could argue that this wine changed Italian wine, because it was the first to fully embrace the potential of Cabernet Franc in the bel paese. The Le Macchiole 2018 Paleo has a spicy and tangy personality with dark fruit, bitter chocolate and tarry smoke. Coming back to my open bottle 24 hours later, I got some green olive and rosemary essence. The mouthfeel fleshes out considerably, and there is beautiful structure to hold it firmly together. Other vintners in Bolgheri have told me of their difficulties with Cabernet Franc in the 2018 vintage, which saw rain toward the end of the season. This wine feels magically immune to those issues and probably means that the expert vineyard team harvested at the right moment.
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Jeb Dunnuck
From a fresh vintage, a gorgeous perfume floats from the glass of the 2018 Paleo, with a floral emphasis as well as pure fruit of cherry and raspberry, lavender, and fresh herbes de Provence. Medium to full-bodied, with freshness and a weightless feel, I love this wine, one of my favorites of this tasting. Pure, refreshing, and energetic, this will be dangerously easy drinking now and over the next 20+ years.
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Wine & Spirits
The 2018 growing season’s frequent rain required Le Macchiole’s team to work overtime in the vineyards, removing leaves to aerate the bunches. As harvest approached, ample sunshine brought the cabernet franc grapes to full maturation. Their work paid o —along with the decision, starting in the 2013 vintage, to reduce the toast levels on their barriques— coming together in the freshness and elegance of this 2018, its fl avors of crunchy black plum laced with notes of fennel fronds, tobacco and mint.
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Decanter
Since 2012 Paleo has been fermented in concrete tanks using selected yeast for almost 12 days, with temperatures held at 26°C - relatively cool for a red. It is then aged for 24 months in 100% new oak. Sometimes the use of second fill barrels is possible for the 25% of the wine, however all the time the toastiness of the barrels is long and light (very soft at the beginning then strong). The fresh 2018 vintage enhances the well known aromatic richness of this wine where the typical dried eucalyptus note is completed by menthol, vibrant clay minerality, leather and star anise. Elegant tannins and crisp acidity complete the picture. Drinking Window: 2021 - 2040.
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James Suckling
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, plums, chocolate and mushrooms. It’s full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. Round and creamy with harmony and balance. Fresh, yet focused, with chocolate and black-fruit character. Long, flavorful finish with some spices.
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Wine Spectator
A profound red, with earth and tar notes dominating black cherry, blackberry and herbal flavors. Tightens up midpalate, before dense, chewy tannins weigh in on the extended finish. Cabernet Franc. Best after 2024.
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Long before it was fashionable, Eugenio Campolmi saw the potential of his homeland, buying his first vineyard in Bolgheri in 1975 baptised "Le Macchiole". In 1987, he hired famed oenologist Vittorio Fiore as a consultant before the later was joined by Luca d'Attoma for years later. In contrast to his renowned neighbors who focused on Bordeaux blends, Campolmi focused on achieving the purest expression of individual varieties, crafting distinct wines of unprecedented quality. Soon Le Macchiole joined Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Guado al Tasso as one of the most prestigious estates in Bolgheri. Following Eugenio's death in 2002, his wife Cinzia Merli, who shares her husband's passion, took over at the estate. Working with Luca D'Attoma, she has carried on her husband's legacy by continuing to make great Tuscan wines.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.