2019 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso

Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole is a pioneering estate located in the Bolgheri region of the Tuscan coast. Following Campolmi’s passing in 2002, Merli has managed the winery alongside her sons, Elia and Mattia. The estate operates approximately 22 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. While Bolgheri is historically celebrated for multi-varietal Bordeaux-style blends, Le Macchiole distinguished itself by shifting its focus toward high-density plantings and premium, single-varietal expressions of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc to highlight specific parcel characteristics.

First released in 1989 as a classic Bordeaux blend, Paleo Rosso transitioned into a monovarietal Cabernet Franc starting with the 2001 vintage. It is widely recognized as one of Italy's benchmark single-varietal bottlings of the grape. Fruit is sourced from established estate plots, primarily the Casa Nuova, Vignone, and Madonnina vineyards.

Other Reviews...
The Le Macchiole 2019 Paleo reveals an extremely precise and etched personality that is perfectly suited to this classic vintage. If you love Cabernet Franc, this is your wine. The bouquet is linear and tight with wet gravel, lead pencil and graphite that make an elegant frame around blackberry and black plum. You taste every last miniature detail in this complex and powerful expression. Fruit comes from a 5.5-hectare plot that rises from 37 to 70 meters above sea level. The soils are a mix of clay, sand, silt, stone and limestone that is characteristic of this stretch of Tuscan coastline. The wine is fermented in cement and aged in barrique for 20 months. On second nose, Paleo begins to offer cardamom pod, exotic spice and fragrant rose water. With 25,400 bottles made, you need to give this glorious wine time to age. Drink 2025 - 2050.
98 points
Monica Larner - Robet Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Paleo, 100% Cabernet Franc, is a total stunner. Deep, plush and explosive, the 2019 possesses fabulous density and yet it is not at all heavy. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs all meld together in the glass. The purity and persistence of the flavors is absolutely compelling. The 2019 is seriously impressive. I loved it. Drink 2029-2044.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

A full-bodied, powerful and polished red with aromas of dark plums, dark cherries, tobacco, bay leaves, dark chocolate, mocha and cedar. Firm, ripe tannins. Compact and muscular. Yet, it remains fresh. Will soften. Try after 2025.
95 points
James Suckling