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 Vintage2002 Label 1 of 95 
TypeRed
ProducerLe Macchiole (web)
VarietyCabernet Franc
DesignationPaleo Rosso
Vineyardn/a
CountryItaly
RegionTuscany
SubRegionn/a
AppellationToscana IGT
OptionsShow neither variety nor appellation
UPC Code(s)8032700763000

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2009 and 2016 (based on 5 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 92.1 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 29 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by Margaux Bro on 12/29/2022 flawed bottle: Auction purchase, signs of seepage upon removing capsule. Tasted, then drain pour - cooked. (423 views)
 Tasted by Italiana on 1/19/2018: This bottle was impressive for its balance. The tannins seemed well integrated, fruit not so forward, but definitely contributing, pleasing acidity, lovely texture. (2111 views)
 Tasted by forceberry on 10/25/2017 flawed bottle: 13,5% alcohol. Tasted alongside most of the Paleo vintages from 2013 to 1993.

Moderately deep but very translucent, luminous red cherry color. Very musty, mouldy nose. Once again, a fine wine lost to TCA. (2300 views)
 Tasted by Italiana on 12/19/2016: Beautiful smooth fruit disappeared shortly after opening. What remained was elegant, but blemished by out of balance drying tannins. I'm believing that the parcel that this bottle was part of was mistreated somewhere along its travels. (2616 views)
 Tasted by wculpepper on 4/4/2016 & rated 93 points: Good fill; cork stained 1/2". Decanted for three hours; light sediment. Medium garnet color with slight bricking at the rim. A nice floral nose of raspberries and vanilla. Bright and fruity on the palate, still well structured. This is a most delightful wine, and it probably is now in its prime. Recently, I bought a case of 12 at auction for $41/bottle: a good QPR. I look forward to drinking the remaining 11 bottles over the next four years. (3211 views)
 Tasted by Jhcwine on 9/5/2013 & rated 95 points: Nose - Lovely nose. Just a tad tannic, but very nice. Palette - A very interesting, different palette. Abit tannic (still needs 5 years in bottle), but a fine wine none the less. 95. My WOTN. (5049 views)
 Tasted by Sir Lloyd on 7/29/2013 & rated 91 points: This wine still surprises me. Very mature. Ready to drink. Still has plenty of fruit. Velvety and smooth. Little bit of tar and dirt in the mouth. Over the course of the evening it gets thin and slightly dull. Drink what you have. Cheers!! (4067 views)
 Tasted by Sir Lloyd on 1/25/2012 & rated 94 points: Greatness (5163 views)
 Tasted by David_T on 3/21/2011 & rated 91 points: Flowers, herbs/spice, coffee and a hint of black fruit come through on the nose. Similar palate- floral notes, a herby midpalate and just a bit of black fruit towards the back end, with a gripping lengthy tannic finish. (5090 views)
 Tasted by hende14 on 3/4/2011 & rated 92 points: Same as previous note. (4725 views)
 Tasted by hende14 on 1/9/2011 & rated 92 points: Decanted for about 1 1/2 hours. As recent note comments, slightly red/brown in color. Great aromatic nose of flowers and cherry and other red fruits. Medium body, intense fruit and touch of glycerin. Smooth throughout with a long finish. Like this very much, but maybe not quite as good as the 2005. If you like Cab Franc you will love this wine. (3416 views)
 Tasted by Riezin on 12/12/2010: Nat cork. Aged in appearance upon pouring - a dull red with hint of browning. Nose a sense of a bit of warmth but not hot, a hint of cinnamon, a bit of burnt earth, all very pleasant in character. Medium bodied with some spiciness and a tanginess. Very smooth - tannins are soft ut provide sufficient structure. Enjoyed. (3463 views)
 Tasted by Wino from Michigan on 12/4/2010 & rated 93 points: One of the best Cab Franc's I have had from any region in years -- great with lamb!! (3109 views)
 Tasted by Wino from Michigan on 7/9/2010 & rated 91 points: Very nice Cab Franc -- very dry and tannic with dried cherries and hint of vanilla -- good overall combination for grilled veg and veal chop. (3328 views)
 Tasted by dching on 11/28/2008 & rated 92 points: Nose - Heady notes of black fruit, tea and leather
Palate - Lovely fruit. Integrated tannins. Medium acidity. Medium bodied. Good length.
Overall - Very good despite the poor year. Drinking well now. Recommended (3749 views)
 Tasted by Wino from Michigan on 9/27/2008 & rated 90 points: This is a very nice Italian Cabernet Franc --- it was extremely dry and minerally. For the price I thought this was not a great buy. The nose has hints of earth, dried fruit and anise with simialr tastes. (3730 views)
 Tasted by tendring on 11/13/2006 & rated 92 points: Wine Education Service - Tuscany (LSE): Lovely fruit with cabbagy vegetal development.
Fruity, peppery, smooth, balanced and rich. (3706 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, Le Macchiole: Paleo Rosso 1992-2012 (Apr 2014)
(Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso) Subscribe to see review text.
By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (6/5/2009)
(Le Macchiole, Paleo IGT Toscana Red) Subscribe to see review text.
By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, Exploring Maremma’s 2003 and 2004 Vintages (Feb 2007)
(Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso) Subscribe to see review text.
By Ian D'Agata
Vinous, September/October 2006, IWC Issue #128
(Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso Bolgheri) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous and JancisRobinson.com. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Le Macchiole

Producer website

U.S. Importer (Addt'l Info)

Producer Location (Google Maps)

Source: VinConnect (VinConnect.com)
A beacon of fine wine production in Bolgheri, today recognized as one of Italy’s most important wine regions, the history of Le Macchiole began in 1983 when Eugenio Campolmi, a native Bolgherese, purchased his first vineyard. Together with his wife, Cinzia Merli, Eugenio began his pursuit, based on the philosophy of experimentation, planting many different varietals (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah…) to discover those best adapted to the microclimate and particular soil of this region along the Etruscan coast, nestled between the Bolgheri hills and the sea.

Beginning with just a few hectares, little by little the estate grew, the winery was built, and in 1991, winemaker Luca d’Attoma joined Le Macchiole, sharing a common goal: to produce an original, perhaps unexpected, wine capable of expressing and celebrating the characteristics of the territory. The winery focused on achieving the purest expression of individual varieties, such as Cabernet Franc and Syrah, atypical at the time in an area predominantly known for its Bordeaux style blends. With its distinct wines and unprecedented quality, Le Macchiole soon joined Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Guado al Tasso as one of the most prestigious estates in Bolgheri. Following Eugenio’s death in 2002, Cinzia took over the reins, moving forward with passion and dedication.

Working closely with a carefully selected team in the winery and the vineyards, Le Macchiole has always been at the forefront of innovation, applying methods including extremely low yields, high density planting, specially designed cement fermentation tanks in the cellar, and since 2002, the implementation of organic farming practices, with the sole objective of strengthening the vine. The winery continues to produce what are internationally recognized as some of Tuscany’s finest wines, confirmed by the numerous accolades received in Italy and abroad, including the Wine Spectator’s prestigious 100-point score a few years ago for the 2004 Messorio.

Today Le Macchiole produces 5 wines: Paleo Rosso (Cabernet Franc), Messorio (Merlot), Scrio (Syrah), Bolgheri Rosso (Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah) and Paleo Bianco (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), each with its own personality, an expression of the soil and result of the respect given to the vineyard.

“It is essential to first find balance in the vineyard, only then can we find balance in the wine.”
– Cinzia Merli

Cabernet Franc

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Wines & Vines article

Paleo Rosso

Paleo Rosso used to be a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Cabernet Franc, but starting in 2001 it shifted to be 100% Cabernet Franc.

Italy

Italian Wines (ItalianMade.com, The Italian Trade Commission) | Italian Wine Guide on the WineDoctor

Tuscany

Tuscany (ItalianMade.com) | Tuscanyt

Toscana IGT

Here is the Wikipedia entry for Toscana wine.

 
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