The nose is primarily savory, with notes of cured meat, topsoil and graphite, but undertones of sour cherries and tart berries provide some buzz. The ebb and flow of earthiness and astringency continues on the palate, while insistent tannins and lively acidity provide structure for that interplay. Palm Bay International. —D.C.
Some bitter herbs, bark and savory spices to the sweet cherries and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied and chewy on the palate, showing a thud of grippy tannins before a medium-long finish. Drink in 2024. -Z.S.
With a nose that’s intensely woodsy, this Cabernet Sauvignon feels like a stroll through the woods on a winter’s afternoon. Aromas start with roots, underbrush and soil and then pass into dark berries and bramble. The palate turns chocolaty and dense with blackberries and currants. Palm Bay International. —D.C.
The full-bodied Rocca delle Macìe 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Roccato (with 6,500 bottles released) shows sweet fruit, dark cherry, toasted almond and milky cinnamon cream. Fourteen months of barrique aging plays a big role in the intensity and textural support of this wine. It feels rich over the palate and thick around the middle. -M.L.
This has aromas of coffee, mushrooms, bark, olives and brambleberries. Distinct salty and savory character on the palate, with a medium body and firm, lightly chewy tannins. Lingering, salty black-olive and espresso notes. Drink or hold. - J.S.
Lots of blackcurrants, licorice and mint with some graphite on the nose. Medium to full body with integrated tannins and a very long, fresh finish. Rather open already. Another year or two will make it even better. Pure cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold. –J.S.
Aromas of mulberries, plums, dried flowers, herbs and chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Vibrant and juicy on the palate with dark fruit and a spicy, flavorful finish. 100% cabernet sauvignon. Drink now or hold.
PlatinumBalsamic notes of wild rosemary, pine and juniper join the plum and blackberry fruit in this dense, well-proportioned red. The oak is nicely integrated and this cruises to a long, menthol- and mineral-tinged finish.
PlatinumA pretty cabernet with currant and blackberry character, as well as some crushed stone. It’s medium-bodied with good integration of tannins and a fresh a, vivid finish. Just opening up now. Cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.
PlatinumRocca delle Macìe created Roccato, their Super Tuscan 50/50 Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, in 1988. Starting with the 2015 vintage, it is now entirely Cabernet Sauvignon, which is grown on their Poggio alle Pecchie vineyard on the Le Macìe estate located in Castellina in Chianti. Its lovely green olive-like nuances act as a perfect foil for its dark fruitiness. Finely textured, it has good weight. Classic Tuscan acidity enlivens it and amplifies its charms. This excellent wine shows that distinctive Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon is not limited to Bolgheri.
PlatinumA thickly textured red, boasting plum, fruitcake, milk chocolate, leather, earth and spice notes. Dense, tannic and rigid on the finish for now. Best from 2021 through 2030. 550 cases made, 50 cases imported. -B.S.
PlatinumA red with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe tannins. Medium to full body, round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight and focused.
PlatinumVery nicely done on the nose with a wealth of brambleberries, dark cherries, mocha, dark chocolate, licorice and bay leaf. Full-bodied and really delicious, carrying layers of dark fruit through succulent and polished tannins. Drink from 2021.
PlatinumA blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon and 50% sangiovese with some pretty ripe fruit and hints of hazelnuts and walnuts. Medium body and a fresh finish.
PlatinumA dense and rich red with asphalt, berry and floral character. Full-bodied, firm and silky. Very structured and intense. Impressive. A blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon.
PlatinumA blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon in equal parts, this opens with aromas of black-skinned fruit, cedar and a whiff of espresso. The polished palate doles out juicy black plum, white pepper and licorice alongside ripe tannins.
PlatinumBlack currant, cedar and herbal aromas and flavors mark this rich, salty red. Elegant, with lively acidity and a light dusting of tannins on the finish. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2023.
PlatinumCrisp and fruity with chocolate, almond and light berry character. Medium body, crisp acidity. Sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. Drink now.
PlatinumA mix of herbs, spices and black cherry fruit adorns this firm red, with ripe tannins guarding the finish. Stays balanced, with a long, saturated finish.
PlatinumThe estate's top wine, the 2010 Roccato is a 50-50 expression of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with a dark ruby-garnet color and a pretty aromatic display that spans from dried berry and cassis to exotic spice and dried garden herb. This is without a doubt Rocca delle Macie's most complete and complex wine and the encouraging results of the 2010 vintage are on full display here. The bouquet is especially buoyant and bright. In the mouth, however, the wine offers density, firmness and menthol-laced freshness.
PlatinumRoccato is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon that?s packed with aromas of blackberry, leather, tobacco and chocolate. It?s velvety and rich, with a delicious touch of cherry and cinnamon on the long finish.
PlatinumFrom one of Tuscany's most charismatic producers, Roccato has shown a steady evolution in quality and intensity that culminates with this beautiful vintage. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine delivers Rocca?s signature juicy softness with background notes of spice and almond.
PlatinumVery ripe, almost raisiny, fruit leads to a full body, with lots of dried fruits and vanilla. There's a little too much wood, but this is interesting.
