Country: Italy Region: Tuscany
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Vintage: 2019 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Isole e Olena
Description:
The name ‘Isole e Olena’ came about in the 1950s when two adjoining estates, ‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’, were purchased by the De Marchi family and combined to form one. The history of both estates dates back many hundreds of years, and the earliest documentation of the village of Olena goes as far back as the 12th century. During the 1950s, the De Marchi family planted new specialised vineyards and expanded the cellars. Today, the estate is run by Paolo De Marchi and his wife Marta. Paolo comes from a family with three generations of winemaking experience in the northern part of Piemonte and his older son, Luca, now runs the family estate there, Proprieta Sperino.
97 Pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"One of the icon wines of Tuscany, the Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is all Sangiovese crafted by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who finalized the sale of his beloved estate when this wine hit the market). Indeed, this wine opens a discussion on the future of this celebrated IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a strict vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine aromas of black and purple fruit. It ferments in oak and ages in French barrique for 20 months, with one-third new oak. With 58,000 bottles released, this is a sure candidate for long cellar aging. Rating: 97+"
96 Pts Vinous
"The 2019 Cepparello has closed down quite a bit since I tasted it last year, as if all of its energy is focused inward. That won't be an issue in another few years' time, but for now readers should resist any temptation to open bottles. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous Sangiovese fruit, along with hints of blood orange, spice, cedar, mint and tobacco, all wrapped together by plush, silky contours. The purity of the fruit is just striking. In 2019, Cepparello is more finesse than power. I expect it will age beautifully over the next several decades."
95 Pts Decanter
"The weather in 2019 was beautiful, with a hot, even summer with no temperature spikes, continuing into September with high variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas are reminiscent of the 2006, while the textured palate features pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, cut through by bright acidity. Lively and dimensional, it's still in its youthful phase but should be superb once it's had time to grow into itself."
94 Pts James Suckling
"So much licorice and fennel seed with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savory flavors. Pretty and fresh at the end, with subtle flavors. Drink now or hold."
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby red. The nose shows aromas of red fruits and cherries along with a touch of spice from the well-judged use of oak. The palate opens to ripe fruit and the well-balanced structure of a great Cepparello, as well as elegant, soft tannins and a persistent finish.
Food Matches: Red Meat / Beef / Lamb / Venison