2013 - Paleo Rosso, Le Macchiole, Bolgheri

The 2013 Le Macchiole Paleo shows another leap forward in quality. There is a delightful, much lighter touch on the palate and less heavily extracted tannins. The nose is more open and vibrant, revealing red fruit, spice and enticing orange zest notes and leafy, raspberry, Cabernet Franc aromas. Overall the 2013 is so much more harmonious than many previous vintages and the tannins are more seamlessly integrated. One reason may be that, as owner Cinzia Merli and winemaker Luca Rettondini say, they " ... decided to study the selection of oak and ... worked with a selection of different coopers." This 2013 has concentration but so much elegance and freshness too. It is drinking beautifully now but will probably last at least 15 to 20 years.

The 2013 Paleo Rosso is super-expressive from start to finish. Soaring Cabernet Franc aromatics make a strong first impression. Mocha, espresso, plum, chocolate and savory herbs give the 2013 tons of aromatic intrigue, but there is plenty of textural depth to back things up. A deep, sensual wine with striking fruit purity, the 2013 Paleo Rosso will drink well for a number of years. Best of all, the 2013 is a terrific expression of Franc on the Tuscan coast in a late-ripening year.