A nose like a private library with old books on the shelves, dried lavender and violets on the desk, and sunbeams and damp air from outside streaming through the drapes, held at bay by a smoky warmth from the hearth. The palate delivers a riot of berries and chocolate and spices, with a salty astringency at the back. Tannins and acid that start quiet, and then rise up and roar. Score - 98. (Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2023)
Le Macchiole's iconic Paleo has evolved from a Bordeaux-style blend into a unique single-variety expression of Tuscany's coastline. This pioneering 100% Cabernet Franc is sourced from three estate vineyards and ferments for 25 days in concrete tanks before spending 16 months in new oak barrels, conical trunk casks and stoneware amphorae. In the glass it's sublime, showing wild blackberries, blood orange, black cherry and thick herbal shrub characters. Lilting wild flowers, bitter chocolate and espresso balance nicely alongside dusty tannins. It's a thinking, fireside wine with impressive ageing potential. Drinking window: 2027-2040. Score - 98. (Isobel Salamon, decanter.com, March 17, 2025)
This vibrant, elegant, supple red exudes blackberry, black cherry and boysenberry fruit, with violet, graphite and black pepper accents. Driven by vivid acidity and punctuated with velvety tannins, this is a great example of the vintage in lockstep with style. Best from 2026 through 2040. Score - 96. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2024)
Moving to the reds, the 2023 Bolgheri Rosso boasts a youthful medium ruby red color, while the nose is pretty and floral with aromas of dusty earth, mixed berries, fresh herbs, and violets. The palate has a lot of focus and a bright, refreshing spine of acidity, fine tannins, and a clean, lightly mineral-inflected savoriness on the finish. A fantastic entry to the range with a huge potential for value, drink it over the next 8-10 years. It has a lot of precision and focus at this time and will only improve with another 6-12 months in the bottle. Score - 93. (Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, March 18, 2025)
