Robert Parker (96)
The second wine tasted in our series of the big three from Le Macchiole is the 2022 Paleo. Indeed, this wine delivers a bigger overall footprint with blackcurrant and blackberry. Fruit comes from one of the estate's oldest vineyards that was planted in 1999. In addition to that site, the wine also sees fruit from Vigna Vignone and a small part from a third site with younger vines planted in 2016. It sees 25 days of skin contact during fermentation in cement. It ages in a combination of barrique and Tava vessels for up to 16 months. Lees contact was avoided so as not to create too much softness, and the oak used leans toward longer, slower toasting (within the medium-toast parameters) in order to keep the fruit bright. The Paleo delivers elegant, fine tannins and excellent length.
James Suckling (95)
A spicy wine with aromas of dried leaves, eucalyptus, smoke, incense, cassis and blueberries. Firm tannins on the palate, with a full body, a dusty texture, crisp, lifted acidity and a chewy finish. Best after 2026.
Vinous (95)
The 2022 Paleo screams out of the glass with Cabernet Franc character. Even in this warm, dry year, this coastal Cabernet Franc simply can’t be denied. Pomegranate, blood orange, cinnamon, new leather and incense all saturate the palate. Firm but well-integrated tannins wrap frame it all together in style. Medium in balance and totally sublime, Paleo is impeccably done. Aging was done in new, low-toast barriques and ceramic amphora.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2022 Paleo is a youthful magenta/purple-tinged color and has a distinctive and expressive nose that’s pure and inviting, with a layered perfume of pencil lead, fresh blackberries, dark earth, rosemary, and crushed lavender. The palate is structured, elegant, and approachable, with refined tannins and acidity, and its mineral undercurrents drive this vintage on the palate. The acidity is even, but it's more about the salty earth and dark, stony texture. Drink 2026-2040.
