2002 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso
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Tasting notes
One of the biggest surprises in this vertical, the 2002 Paleo Rosso is magnificent. The aromas and flavors are still vibrant in a wine from a poorly regarded vintage that has developed beautifully in bottle. Sweet rose petals, red berries, licorice and mint are some of the many notes that are woven into the finish. Simply put, 2002 is impeccable and brilliant from the very firs taste. When it was young, the 2002 was compact and angular. Today, it has blossomed into a magnificent wine. There is no question it is also one of the finest Paleos ever made. It’s hard to describe just how much pleasure the 2002 offers. Personally, I would be thrilled to own it. The 2002 spent 18 months in French oak, 80% 225-liter barrels and 20% in 112-liter barrels, yet it handled all of the oak, the smaller barrels in particular, with aplomb. Selection was especially rigorous in 2002, a cold, wet growing season that gave growers fits, but the results are in the bottle.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Cabernet Franc Scented and light and fragrant. Perfectly nice delicate drink but it should probably be a little bit cheaper. Lots of dry tannins and much less ripe fruit than on the 2003. OK not disastrous but not that much fun really for the money. (JR)
The estate's 2002 Paleo (100% Cabernet Franc) is an excellent effort for the vintage. It is a fairly compact Paleo with pretty aromatics and notes of smoke, tar, herbs and dark red fruit on a medium-bodied frame. Although it displays good length and balance some rough edges remain and bottle aging will only help to a limited extent.
The estate’s 2002 Paleo (100% Cabernet Franc) is an excellent effort for the vintage. It is a fairly compact Paleo with pretty aromatics and notes of smoke, tar, herbs and dark red fruit on a medium-bodied frame. Although it displays good length and balance some rough edges remain and bottle aging will only help to a limited extent. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799