Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 2021 is the estate’s flagship Cabernet Franc from Bolgheri on Tuscany’s coast, bottled as Toscana IGT. First made in 1989 and produced as a 100% Cabernet Franc since 2001, Paleo has become a reference point for the region’s move beyond Bordeaux-inspired blends. The fruit comes from three estate vineyards (Casa Nuova, Vignone and Ulivino) and, according to Decanter, the wine “ferments for 25 days in concrete tanks before spending 16 months in new oak barrels, conical trunk casks and stoneware amphorae.”
This is a vintage that drew exceptionally strong critical agreement. Decanter awarded 98 points, calling it “sublime,” and describing “wild blackberries, blood orange, black cherry and thick herbal shrub characters,” with “dusty tannins” and “impressive ageing potential.” Wine Enthusiast also scored it 98, calling it “coursing with energy” and, in Danielle Callegari’s words, “a fearsome, awe-inspiring wine indeed.” Jeb Dunnuck went to 97+ and described “a noble feel, with a mouthwatering structure,” adding, “This is one of the best vintages I have tasted of Paleo Rosso, and it has the structure to cruise for decades.”
Other top reviews emphasize precision as much as power. Monica Larner (Wine Advocate, 97) says the 2021 is “especially tight, intense and direct,” moving from “red and purple fruits” into “heritage rose… mulled spice and Turkish coffee,” with a “streamlined… mouthfeel” that delivers “extra tension and extremely elegant results.” Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 97+) likewise notes “blood orange, espresso, mocha, licorice and exotic spice,” and flags that it “typically needs a few years in bottle to blossom,” with élevage including “a touch (4%) of stoneware amphora.”
Wine Spectator’s 94-point note underlines a greener edge—“mint, bell pepper and vanilla accents”—alongside “dense, assertive tannins,” and reports 2,120 cases made (160 imported). James Suckling (96) calls it “very polished and sophisticated” and advises patience: “Best after 2028.”
