Isole E Olena Cepparello 2019 750ml
The Wine Advocate | RP 97+
Published: Feb 09, 2023
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.
The big news in Chianti Classico last year was the sale of Isole e Olena. The property was purchased by France’s EPI Group (the same investors behind Montalcino’s Biondi-Santi). It’s incredibly sad to see such an important wine property leave the loving guardianship of innovator and visionary Paolo De Marchi. With 56 hectares of vines, Paolo created one of Tuscany’s greatest Sangiovese-based wines, Cepparello.
I am reassured, however, that Paolo was ready to leave responsibilities to someone else. I am further reassured by the impressive track record of the buyer, Christopher Descours of the private EPI Group based in Paris. He has made important investments in wine and is a person to watch. His team in Montalcino at Il Greppo have been doing an extraordinary job of safeguarding the celebrated Biondi-Santi legacy. “Evolution not revolution” is the mantra, and I’m sure that this mindful approach will also be applied to this latest Tuscan acquisition. I congratulate Paolo De Marchi and the new owners of Isole e Olena.
Drink Date: 2024 - 2048
Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Aug 8, 2022
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.