One of Simon's fascinations with the wines of Tuscany is the scope for stylistic variation. Such variation is not surprising for Tuscany is a large region with over forty individual appellations (DOC/DOCG). In the 1970s, it was a hotbed of experimentation. The Super Tuscans injected energy and dynamism into a region with a considerable history of winemaking. Now, formally recognised within the hierarchy of Tuscan wines, regions such as Bolgheri continue to fascinate and estates that took shape thirty years ago continue to shine brightly in the firmament. Our offer of 2010 Paleo Rosso, Le Macchiole @ £235 per 6 bottles in bond, below.
One such estate, which I have admired since I first encountered their wines some ten years ago, is Le Macchiole. I still recall how impressed I was by the finesse and elegance across their portfolio of wines. This stunning estate comprises some 22 hectares of prime Bolgheri vineyard, and is, along with Sassicaia and Ornellaia, considered one of the oldest established estates in the region. It shot to prominence in 1983 on account of the efforts of Eugenio Camplomi and is today run by his wife Cinzia with notable assistance from skilled oenologist Luca d’Atoma.
Among other wines, Le Macchiole produce wines from Syrah (the lesser known ‘Scrio’), Merlot (the headlining ‘Messorio’) and Cabernet Franc (the wine in question, ‘Paleo Rosso’). Out of the three main wines produced, it is Paleo Rosso that has proven to be a stand out for me. Cabernet Franc excels in the regions of Maremma and Bolgheri and it is the success of examples such as Paleo Rosso, that has led to an increase in plantings in recent years. In a region that delivers admirable ripeness, I enjoy the freshness that this particular Cabernet Franc captures; its generous berry fruit, subtle, complex style and effortless, silky fine tannins. In short, this is a gem of a wine…and, unsurprisingly, I am not alone in singing its praises.
Please see the notes from Antonio Galloni and Monica Larner below. As you know, I regard Antonio’s tasting notes highly and, while I know little of Parker’s new Italian reviewer, Monica Larner, I am encouraged by her comments below.
2010 Paleo Rosso, Le Macchiole @ £235 per 6 bottles in bond
97 points Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com
The 2010 Paleo Rosso (Cabernet Franc) marks a return to a much more varietally expressive style after the 2009. Dried herbs, mocha, wild flowers, plums and black cherries come together in an impeccable wine endowed with tremendous finesse. Clean veins of minerality give the wine much of its freshness and verve. The 2010 is one of the very finest Paleo Rossos I can remember tasting. It also seems pretty obvious Paleo is the most dramatically improved wine in Le Macchiole's range. The 2010 is delicious today, but it will be even better in a few years.
96 points, Monica Larner. Erobertparker.com
The 2010 Paleo Rosso is the most impressive wine of the tasting and easily cements this wine-s reputation as coastal Tuscany-s finest Cabernet Franc. The complexity is mesmerizing, as the wine playfully offers aromas of black fruit, salvia, rosemary, chocolate and spice in quick succession. It still tastes tight and nervous, so give it the time required to soften. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.
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