2016 Le Macchiole Pre-shipment Offer
2015 and 2016 were a rare thing: back to back vintages in much of Europe that produced outstanding wines – from Bordeaux to Burgundy, the Rhone to Tuscany. These releases have come and gone with much fanfare. With Le Macchiole though, we have had to be patient to get a first look at the 2016s.
‘The 2016s in particular are off the charts.’ Antonio Galloni on Le Macchiole, www.vinous.com
Due to the current restrictions on travel, we’ve been unable to have our normal get-together to taste with Cinzia in Italy – but thankfully the samples came to us. We are pleased to report that the excitement was well founded, so it’s a real pleasure to now be offering these stunning new releases.
The 2016s have everything you could hope for in terms of power, depth and drive – yet each of these brilliant wines also has a tell-tale ‘lift’ and precision too, distinguishing them from the fabulous but more forceful 2015s. They simply exude class and elegance. This comes in part from the near perfect growing season in 2016, but also from the continued change in direction being taken at Le Macchiole. Winemaker Luca Rettondini and owner Cinzia Merli continue to evolve the wines, aiming for ever more focus and precision. The wines have detail and depth in 2016, like never before.
These great releases from 2016 are striking for their elegance – in spite of their intensity and weight. Incredibly complex yet remarkably pure – the wines retain a tantalising freshness. This is very clever stuff from the team here. Once again these are world class wines that will repay further patience and will cellar happily for 15 to 20 years. Yet incredibly they have such charm you can imagine beginning to drink them in just 4 or 5 years’ time.
2018 PALEO Bianco Le Macchiole
Le Macchiole's 2018 Paleo Bianco is bright, finely cut and focused, with lovely energy and bright acids that confer tension. White flowers, mint, lemon peel and light tropical notes abound in thisLe Macchiole's 2018 Paleo Bianco is bright, finely cut and focused, with lovely energy and bright acids that confer tension. White flowers, mint, lemon peel and light tropical notes abound in this crisp, steely white from Le Macchiole. The Chardonnay is aged in tonneaux, while the Sauvignon sees smaller barrels, with some acacia complementing the oak. Drink it over the next few years. Drinking range: 2019 - 2024 Rating: 90 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Mar 2020)
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2016 PALEO Rosso Le Macchiole
Here's another pure varietal expression, this time Cabernet Franc, and it is one for the ages. The 2015 edition of the Paleo was hot with nutty notes, whereas the 2016 Paleo is tighter and fresher.Here's another pure varietal expression, this time Cabernet Franc, and it is one for the ages. The 2015 edition of the Paleo was hot with nutty notes, whereas the 2016 Paleo is tighter and fresher. There is tension and precision here, rendering beautifully pastoral tones of green olive and herbs. You'll pick up notes of moist earth along with some spice. The freshness is truly epic, with well-integrated tannins. When you hit the licorice tones, you'll finally appreciate the depth and dimension of this wine. This is a true beauty, with enormous depth, concentration and power. Drinking range: 2020 - 2045 Rating: 97 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (www.robertparker.com) (May 2019)
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2016 SCRIO Le Macchiole
Deep ruby. Plush ripe red fruit but with an edge. Succulent acidity cuts through the concentrated fruit. Internationally moulded but skilfully done.Deep ruby. Plush ripe red fruit but with an edge. Succulent acidity cuts through the concentrated fruit. Internationally moulded but skilfully done. Drinking range: 2020 - 2028 Rating: 17+ Walter Speller, www.jancisrobinson.com (Apr 2020)
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2016 MESSORIO Le Macchiole
With the 2016 Messorio, Le Macchiole moves from a wine of unctuous power to one of total refinement. Aromatic, translucent and striking in its nuance, the 2016 is flat out stunning. The flavors areWith the 2016 Messorio, Le Macchiole moves from a wine of unctuous power to one of total refinement. Aromatic, translucent and striking in its nuance, the 2016 is flat out stunning. The flavors are fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated. More than anything else, through the 2016 shows the present-day Macchiole style off to great effect. Another year in bottle has done wonders for the Messorio, which is even more arresting in its beauty today than it was last year. Drinking range: 2024 - 2041 Rating: 97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Mar 2020)
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In Bond
In Bond