2005 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso
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The 2005 Paleo Rosso needed time in bottle to allow the Cabernet Franc signatures to emerge, but they are now all there front and center. The freshest and brightest of Le Macchiole's 2005s, the Paleo Rosso is plump, juicy and expressive, although it naturally does not offer the finesse or nuance of the very best years. A host of mocha, espresso, torrefaction, tobacco, mint, leather and licorice meld into the expressive finish. This is a fabulous showing from the 2005.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Sweet tobacco, crushed flowers, licorice, mint and cedar all waft from the glass, in the 2005 Paleo Rosso. Intensely perfumed aromatics are one of the key signatures in a mid-weight, gracious wine that impresses for its feminine, utterly captivating personality. Silky tannins support a highly expressive, nuanced finish. The 2005 stands apart from the surrounding vintages for its lighter style, yet all the elements are in the right place. What a beautiful wine this is.
The 2005 Paleo (Cabernet Franc) is impressive. Wild herbs, roasted coffee beans, new leather, minerals and dark fruit emerge from this long, refined wine. Although the intensity tapers off slightly on the mid-palate, this is an absolutely gorgeous wine loaded with style and personality. Still tightly wound, it needs further bottle age to reach its peak. It is arguably the most successful of the estate's 2005s.
The 2005 Paleo (Cabernet Franc) is impressive. Wild herbs, roasted coffee beans, new leather, minerals and dark fruit emerge from this long, refined wine. Although the intensity tapers off slightly on the mid-palate, this is an absolutely gorgeous wine loaded with style and personality. Still tightly wound, it needs further bottle age to reach its peak. It is arguably the most successful of the estate's 2005s. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. Le Macchiole releases its wines later than most estates on the Tuscan coast, so readers will find the 2004s in the market, while the 2005s are due to arrive this Fall. Proprietor Cinzia Merli and long-time oenologist Luca D-Attoma have turned out a glorious set of 2004s. The 2005 vintage proved to be much more challenging as the damp, fresh growing season made it hard to achieve full ripeness. These are pretty wines, but they aren't quite at the level of the estate's finest efforts. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799