Wine Advisor
Le Macchiole, Paleo Rosso 2008
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Dark red fruit, freshly cut flowers, minerals, spices and sweet herbs are some of the notes that emerge from the estate’s 2008 Paleo Rosso. The Paleo impresses for its vibrant minerality and exceptionally long, focused finish. The 2008 isn’t a huge, opulent Paleo, rather it is a wine of more classic proportions built on harmony, of which there is no shortage here. Crushed flowers and sweet spices from the oak are sublime in the empty glass. Paleo Rosso is 100% Cabernet Franc that spent 14 months in French oak, 70% new barriques and 30% 1 year-old 112 liter barrels previously used for Messorio. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. These may very well be the finest wines I have ever tasted from Le Macchiole. There is no question these are the best wines the estate has ever produced relative to the overall quality and potential of the vintage. Over the years this cutting edge estate has been at the forefront of many developments in Maremma and Italy including working with low yields, densely planted vineyards and using small 112 liter barrels for the flagship Merlot, Messorio. Proprietor Cinzia Merli and long-time oenologist Luca d’Attoma have continued to search for ways to improve. These 2008s show the direction of the future. New oak levels are down, the quality of coopers is up and the estate is moving towards larger 500-liter barrels on some of the wines. Le Macchiole has always produced stunning fruit. Now that much of the makeup is beginning to come off the wines it is obvious the estate’s potential is limitless. Nowhere is a return to a more classic style in Italy more evident than at Le Macchiole. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Dark red fruit, freshly cut flowers, minerals, spices and sweet herbs are some of the notes that emerge from the estate's 2008 Paleo Rosso. The Paleo impresses for its vibrant minerality and exceptionally long, focused finish. The 2008 isn't a huge, opulent Paleo, rather it is a wine of more classic proportions built on harmony, of which there is no shortage here. Crushed flowers and sweet spices from the oak are sublime in the empty glass. Paleo Rosso is 100% Cabernet Franc that spent 14 months in French oak, 70% new barriques and 30% 1 year-old 112 liter barrels previously used for Messorio.
About the Producer
“Le Macchiole is renowned for its Messorio which is without a doubt one of Italy’s most charismatic Merlots.” - James Suckling Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole was one of the first wineries to be established in Bolgheri, in Tuscany. The ongoing development of this 24 hectare, organically farmed estate, has enabled the winery to become a leading Italian brand. Now under the leadership of Cinzia and her talented team, there is a rigorous approach to everything that they do. This shows itself in championing single varieties in their very top wines, in planting density and viticulture, harvest and wine making. One variety, one wine, is the philosophy adopted by the winery. All the Macchiole’s top wines are single-varietal bottling: Using Syrah to produce Scrio, Merlot to make Messorio and the Cabernet Franc is kept for the iconic wine, Paleo Rosso, recognized as one of the finest examples of Bolgheri winemaking.
