2016 Paleo Rosso
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Tasting notes
Pouring a jewel-like deep ruby hue, the 2016 Paleo is rich with kirsch, mineral earth, graphite, and game. It is full-bodied and has a velveteen texture, with ripe fruit through the mid-palate and notes of incense, cassis, liqueur, iron-rich earth, and a touch of vanillin oak spice. Long and persistent, with and elegant, lasting perfume, this wonderful expression is ripe with structure and fine tannins. Drink 2024-2044. One of the benchmark wineries of Bolgheri, Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli purchased the estate in 1983 and planted their first four hectares of vines. Today, Cinzia Merli is joined by her two sons, Elia and Mattia, who work together to run the estate. Their holdings now consist of ten parcels, eight in Bolgheri and two in Bibbona, just to the north. In the vineyards, they practice organic farming while also implementing some biodynamic practices. Paleo Rosso’s first vintage was in 1989, before becoming exclusively dedicated to Cabernet Franc in 2001. Today, they make some of the most compelling ranges of single varietal wines. Messorio is dedicated to Merlot, Scrio to Syrah, and Paleo Rosso to Cabernet Franc.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A wine of breathtaking beauty, the 2016 Paleo Rosso possesses off the charts vertical intensity. Sweet floral and spiced notes soar out of the glass in a stunning wine endowed with fabulous depth in all of its dimensions. Cedar, mocha, rose petal, red plum and menthol are bright and beautifully sculpted. Paleo Rosso shows just how profound Cabernet Franc can be on the Tuscan Coast. This is a superb edition of the wine that, in my view, is the Macchiole flagship. The 2016 saw 30-35 days on the skins, followed by malolactic fermentation in cement and 18 months in French oak.
100% Cabernet Franc. Clove and cinnamon notes from oak are quite dominant on the nose, though some spicy, tobacco leaf and ripe black cherry varietal characters are there too. Attractive freshness, with more black cherry, tobacco and a touch of mint. Quite fine tannins carry this through nicely. An appealing wine. (TJ)
Really beautiful black fruit with freshly roasted coffee-bean aromas that follow through to a full body with silky and lightly chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Decadent. Cabernet franc. Drink or hold.