Isole e Olena

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

One of the best Syrah in Tuscany with extraordinarily complex aromas such as cassis, praline, exotic spices, black tea and clove. Very dense on the palate, cleanly structured, delicious of ripe black fruits and with earthy notes. Velvety tannins and a long harmonious impression form the impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A big, powerful syrah with a heady nose of violet essence, dried blueberries, sweet tobacco, mocha, vanilla, cracked pepper and grilled meat. Full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins and a chewy and fleshy palate. Delicious sweet-spice notes. Intense. Drink from 2023." James Suckling

"The delightful 2019 Syrah Collezione Privata opens to dark fruit, spice, pepper, crushed stone, blue flower and milky blueberry. The wine handles its oak nicely (with 18 months in barrique, including French oak and a tiny percentage of American oak, and one-third new barrel). It delivers seamless integration, especially in this concentrated vintage, pitting freshness against fruit weight and primary intensity. Its texture is soft and creamy." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Syrah Collezione Privata is quite delicate and silky in this vintage, with a distinctly red-fruited profile that is unusual. Spice, orange peel, dried flowers and white pepper lend brightness to a Syrah that is both deep and light on its feet. I especially admire the vibrancy here." Vinous

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and every year one of the best of its appellation: Bright red, smells of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously smooth in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite the visually high price, very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Clear and memorable nose with notes of ripe raspberry, some pomegranate and goji berries. Polished and round on the palate, finely woven tannin, pulls through richly, exceedingly juicy." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. A little savoury/reductive and not that forthcoming and polished as I would have expected, but I am sure this just needs more time in the bottle. A generous mouthful of sweet fruit with firm, grainy tannins gripping the finish. The reductive note clings on, though." Jancis Robinson

"This pretty entry-level red shows great silkiness and a nuanced bouquet with wild berry, crushed stone, licorice and wildflower. It ages in large oak casks for 12 months to help integrate those flavors." Wine Advocate

"Perfumed nose of dried roses, wild mushrooms, sour cherries, raspberries, olives and spices. Medium-bodied with a firm yet supple tannin frame and a creamy core of red fruit. Delicious finish." James Suckling

"This lovely, delicious red races out of the gate with enticing scents of perfumed berries, blue flowers, forest floor and baking spice. Smooth and savory, the juicy palate features ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside polished tannins. It's already drinking beautifully but will also offer several years of sheer pleasure." Wine Enthusiast

"Owner Paolo di Marchi has not chased the current trend to increase the percentage of Sangiovese and continues to blend Canaiolo Nero and a small percentage of Syrah in his deliciously reliable Chianti Classico. Aromas reveal a warm stone flintiness along with baked Mediterranean herbs and scented purple flowers. Limpid and linear, the palate builds with black plum, rose and sweet earth. Full yet vivid, it's polished yet soulful with seductive truffle nuances to finish, all held together with fine, chalky tannins." Decanter

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, warm red; reductive, somewhat shrubby, subtly fruity; sweetness, juicy, fruity, fluid, also length, drinky, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Intense, bright ruby red colour. Complex nose of mocha, dark chocolate, ripe cherry, forest floor and a touch of leather. Soft and supple on entry, silky tannins with invigorating acidity, very harmonious and long on the finish." Falstaff

"Just medium carmine red. Finely scented, sweet raspberry nose. Beautiful precision on the palate with crushed raspberry fruit and polished, fine tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The Isole e Olena 2020 Chianti Classico opens with a dark ruby red colour and medium concentration. The bouquet offers beautiful fruit flavours with dried cherries and raspberries. These bright base tones fade into gravel and potting soil. This playful entry-level wine finishes with a bright spot of sweet cherry." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is a wine of great class. Deep and layered, yet wonderfully translucent, the 2020 is one of the best editions of this wine that I can remember tasting. Macerated dark cherry, kirsch, cedar and pipe tobacco unfold on the nose, but what attracts me most is the textural resonance and sheer power of the wine. The 2020 possesses remarkable depth yet retains the transparency that is so characteristic of it. This is a fabulous performance." Vinous

"This 2020 needs some time to unfold its seductive aroma. A hint of flint, cardamom and pepper gives way to spring flowers and red berries. It has a graceful flow with a lushness and juiciness of raspberries and red plums. Fine, powdery tannins frame it." Decanter

"A Chianti that simply resembles itself. Very multi-faceted nose, notes of blackcurrants and strawberries, then undergrowth, notes of eucalyptus and euphorbia, very balsamic finish. Persistent and exciting on the palate, closing with a fruity return and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Fragrant bouquet of light blossoms, peach and tropical fruits, slight hints of honey and minerals. Supple texture on the palate, very balanced, complex and with an invigorating mineral freshness. A very rare, remarkable Tuscan Chardonnay, aged for 11 months on lees in barriques. Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, especially for its natural ability to present the purity of the grape variety and the importance of texture in equal measure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a wine of unusual pedigree and depth. Lemon zest, dried pear, chamomile, white pepper and crushed rock give the 2021 a layered complexity. I particularly admire the sense of verticality in this wine." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow. Ripe white fruits with a hint of spicy oak, a touch of oatmeal and cut lemon. Focused and with a hint of orange blossom. White fruits with just a hint of oak that is very restrained. Gentle, citrusy white fruit flavours with a hint of creaminess, but the focus was clearly on maintaining freshness; something that is increasingly in demand as global warming increases. The wine is very drinkable but should become even more interesting in a few years." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive aromas of walnut, peach pit and vanilla with grilled lemon and sliced quince. Full and textured with a creamy mouthfeel. Structured and complex with nutty and mineral undertones on the finish. Rounded and long lasting final." James Suckling

"The Isole e Olena 2021 Chardonnay Collezione Privata has a very citrusy side with grapefruit and preserved lemon. These fresh aromas transition into hints of cinnamon and saffron, but the overall style is reductive in character. This is a medium-bodied white wine with a nice richness and salty, mineral notes on the finish. This Tuscan Chardonnay has a lot of character. However, the wine needs time to gain more weight and texture." Wine Advocate

"Bright, intense straw yellow with light green nuances. Opens with notes of hazelnuts and white asparagus, then pear and fresh apple. Fresh and clear on the nose, salty, opens very nicely, creates a wide range of tension, creamy on the final." Falstaff

The grapes for one of the most elegant and ethereal Vin Santo in Chianti Classico are dried before they are pressed and then sealed in barrels for nine years. Paolo de Marchi calls it "lazy winemaking" and admits: "The blending process is actually the most challenging part, as every barrel is different and after tasting 10 barrels, palate fatigue sets in".

The result is a very elegant and pure Vin Santo that has beguiling notes of candied fruit, honey and sweet spices. The balance between sweetness and acidity keeps the wine light, lively and refreshing, and it has a smoky edge on the finish. This is a great Vin Santo, and although it has more than 200g/litre of residual sugar, it is surprisingly light, refreshing and easy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

Only a few thousand bottles of this private collection exist. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Isole e Olena 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata boasts luscious dark concentration with black fruit, grilled herb, crushed stone and sweet crème de cassis. Those bold flavors are followed by a 15% alcohol content that is gracefully integrated here. This is another long-term proposition for your cellar." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is another stellar wine in this range from Isole e Olena and Paolo De Marchi. Still pretty tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to fully unwind. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and espresso are some of the many aromas and flavors that start to open with a bit of aeration. The Isole Cabernet has a brilliant track record of aging. I expect the 2018 will one day take its place among the very finest editions." Vinous

"Lots of blackcurrants and currant bush with some graphite and black ink on the nose. Full-bodied with a chewy and polished tannin backbone and lots of blue fruit and stones in the finish. Sandalwood and violets, too. Great structure at the end. Give this time to soften. Try after 2025, but will age for a long time." James Suckling

Cepparello is one of the great single-varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Radiant ruby red. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed onset, enveloping palate that delivers a perfectly measured acid framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and finesse-rich. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, strong ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The nose is very compact, with dark cherries, lots of blackberries and fine spicy notes. Radiant on the palate, shows lots of ripe red berry fruit, grippy, dense tannin coated with beautiful melting, firm and compact, long final." Falstaff

"Lots of liquorice and fennel seeds with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savoury flavours. Nice and fresh on the finish, with subtle flavours." James Suckling

"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." Decanter

"The 2019 Cepparello is very impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Generous and creamy, with its classic medium-bodied structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red and purple berry fruit. New leather, spice and a touch of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be an absolute top wine." Vinous

"One of the iconic wines of Tuscany, Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi. Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed an austere vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with delicate aromas of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 20 months in French barriques, one third of which is in new oak." Wine Advocate

There are only a few thousand bottles of this private collection. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Very precise and clear nose, opens with intense notes of cassis and mulberry, some rosemary and thyme, delicate earthy notes in the background. Lots of juicy, dark berry fruit in the attack and on the palate, opens up with dense, supple tannins, shows many layers, spans a wide range, firm pressure on the final, long finish." Falstaff

"A tightly wound style, exhibiting blackberry, black currant, cedar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Lively, with dense yet finely wrought tannins and a long, concentrated finish. Powerful, this remains within bounds." Wine Spectator

"Notes of chocolate-coated dark cherries and cassis with roasted walnut, nutmeg, cedar and spice box. Full-bodied, big and opulent with an array of ripe and compact tannins coming through. Toned acidity gives energy and juiciness to the dark fruit. Really polished and refined. Better from 2025." James Suckling

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata shows impeccable fruit ripeness and balance with a dark core of blackcurrant that is elegantly surrounded by spice and savory notes. This Cabernet Sauvignon embraces tobacco and baking chocolate. It delivers rich texture that needs a few more years in the bottle to soften. It also shows a balanced 15% alcohol that goes relatively unnoticed." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is one of the very finest vintages of the Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted, and I have had the good fortune to taste them all. Deep and unctuous, yet also full of Chianti Classico vibrancy, the Cabernet is breathtaking in its grandeur. Dark blue/purplish fruit, gravel, crushed rocks, incense, dried herbs and mocha saturate the palate. Deep and layered through to the finish, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is fantastic." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors." Wine Spectator

"Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is dense, powerful and soaring in intensity. A dark, almost somber Cepparello, the 2020 possesses remarkable depth from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, gravel, dried herbs and lavender build in a vivid, stunningly beautiful Cepparello that hits all the right notes." Vinous

Fragrant bouquet of light blossoms, peach and tropical fruits, slight hints of honey and minerals. Supple texture on the palate, very balanced, complex and with an invigorating mineral freshness. A very rare, remarkable Tuscan Chardonnay, aged for 11 months on lees in barriques. Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, especially for its natural ability to present the purity of the grape variety and the importance of texture in equal measure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a wine of unusual pedigree and depth. Lemon zest, dried pear, chamomile, white pepper and crushed rock give the 2021 a layered complexity. I particularly admire the sense of verticality in this wine." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow. Ripe white fruits with a hint of spicy oak, a touch of oatmeal and cut lemon. Focused and with a hint of orange blossom. White fruits with just a hint of oak that is very restrained. Gentle, citrusy white fruit flavours with a hint of creaminess, but the focus was clearly on maintaining freshness; something that is increasingly in demand as global warming increases. The wine is very drinkable but should become even more interesting in a few years." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive aromas of walnut, peach pit and vanilla with grilled lemon and sliced quince. Full and textured with a creamy mouthfeel. Structured and complex with nutty and mineral undertones on the finish. Rounded and long lasting final." James Suckling

"The Isole e Olena 2021 Chardonnay Collezione Privata has a very citrusy side with grapefruit and preserved lemon. These fresh aromas transition into hints of cinnamon and saffron, but the overall style is reductive in character. This is a medium-bodied white wine with a nice richness and salty, mineral notes on the finish. This Tuscan Chardonnay has a lot of character. However, the wine needs time to gain more weight and texture." Wine Advocate

"Bright, intense straw yellow with light green nuances. Opens with notes of hazelnuts and white asparagus, then pear and fresh apple. Fresh and clear on the nose, salty, opens very nicely, creates a wide range of tension, creamy on the final." Falstaff

The grapes for this exceptional Chianti Classico come from vines that grow southwest at an altitude of between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. The soil here is characterised by Galestro and limestone. Rich, deep dark ruby with a velvety sheen. Multi-layered, concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry, spices and menthol. Complex on the palate with a multi-faceted flavour profile that only opens up gradually and only reveals its full spectrum to the patient. A parade wine of great depth, class and irresistibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby garnet. Opens with slightly smoky notes, lush cedar, then lots of blackberry and ripe dark cherry, some tobacco in the background. Lush and present in attack and progression, shows lots of juicy, present fruit, opens with fine-meshed, pithy tannin, describes a long arc, good tension." Falstaff

"The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, essentially a selection of the best barrels of Cepparello, is a gorgeous wine. More than anything, the 2015 is remarkable considering the challenges of a growing season in which rain during harvest created significant challenges. Nevertheless, Paolo De Marchi coaxed all of the potential out of his vines in 2015, adding a good dollop of Petit Verdot to the Sangiovese in crafting the Gran Selezione. Dense, powerful and beautifully textured, with intense underpinnings of saline minerality. The 2015 has a brilliant future." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great single-varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Radiant ruby red. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed onset, enveloping palate that delivers a perfectly measured acid framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and finesse-rich. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, strong ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The nose is very compact, with dark cherries, lots of blackberries and fine spicy notes. Radiant on the palate, shows lots of ripe red berry fruit, grippy, dense tannin coated with beautiful melting, firm and compact, long final." Falstaff

"Lots of liquorice and fennel seeds with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savoury flavours. Nice and fresh on the finish, with subtle flavours." James Suckling

"Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas recall the 2006, while the structured palate shows pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, infused with bright acidity. Vibrant and complex, it's still in its youthful phase but will be great once it's had time to develop." Decanter

"The 2019 Cepparello is very impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Generous and creamy, with its classic medium-bodied structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red and purple berry fruit. New leather, spice and a touch of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be an absolute top wine." Vinous

"One of the iconic wines of Tuscany, Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi. Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed an austere vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with delicate aromas of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 20 months in French barriques, one third of which is in new oak." Wine Advocate

Only 3,000 bottles of the exceptional 2016 vintage reached the market. The grapes for this exceptional Chianti Classico come from vines that grow southwest at an altitude between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. The soil here is characterised by Galestro and limestone. Rich, deep dark ruby with a velvety sheen. Multi-layered, concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry, spices and menthol. Complex on the palate with a multi-faceted flavour profile that only opens up gradually and only reveals its full spectrum to the patient. A parade wine of great depth, class and irresistibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, impenetrable ruby red. Brooding, deep and concentrated with hints of oak and dark malt bread. Tightly woven, tangy red and dark fruits with fine, long and persistent tannins. Finely balanced. Transparent and elegant on the finish. Full-bodied." Jancis Robinson

"An intense, vibrant red, with traces of vanilla and toasted, resinous oak surrounding aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets and minerals. Balanced, with a resonant finish. Still youthful, with refined, mouth-flattering tannins, this wine has a long way to go." Wine Spectator

"Intriguing blueberry chocolate nose, also nuances of black pepper; balanced on the palate with beautiful polish, the acidity and tightly woven tannins accurately integrated, combining finesse and great length. Great." Vinum

"This is a beautiful wine made only in the best vintages. The Isole e Olena 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is 90% Sangiovese, complemented by tiny proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The wine is hugely bright and vibrant in this classic vintage with persistent fruit and cherry that remains intact and fresh even when tasted now, five years after harvest. Hints of leather, tar and potting soil gently fill the back end. This wine promises long and healthy ageing in the future." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is stunning. This is hardly a surprise, as Paolo De Marchi is known for making compelling Gran Seleziones in his own unique style. The 2016 is a brilliant, concentrated wine, bursting with energy from start to finish. It is the rare wine that develops superbly in the glass and opens up with time. The blend is 90% Sangiovese with a few drops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors." Wine Spectator

"Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is dense, powerful and soaring in intensity. A dark, almost somber Cepparello, the 2020 possesses remarkable depth from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, gravel, dried herbs and lavender build in a vivid, stunningly beautiful Cepparello that hits all the right notes." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great single-varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Radiant ruby red. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed onset, enveloping palate that delivers a perfectly measured acid framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and finesse-rich. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, strong ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The nose is very compact, with dark cherries, lots of blackberries and fine spicy notes. Radiant on the palate, shows lots of ripe red berry fruit, grippy, dense tannin coated with beautiful melting, firm and compact, long final." Falstaff

"Lots of liquorice and fennel seeds with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savoury flavours. Nice and fresh on the finish, with subtle flavours." James Suckling

"Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas recall the 2006, while the structured palate shows pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, infused with bright acidity. Vibrant and complex, it's still in its youthful phase but will be great once it's had time to develop." Decanter

"The 2019 Cepparello is very impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Generous and creamy, with its classic medium-bodied structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red and purple berry fruit. New leather, spice and a touch of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be an absolute top wine." Vinous

"One of the iconic wines of Tuscany, Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi. Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed an austere vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with delicate aromas of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 20 months in French barriques, one third of which is in new oak." Wine Advocate

Only a few thousand bottles of this private collection exist. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Isole e Olena 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata boasts luscious dark concentration with black fruit, grilled herb, crushed stone and sweet crème de cassis. Those bold flavors are followed by a 15% alcohol content that is gracefully integrated here. This is another long-term proposition for your cellar." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is another stellar wine in this range from Isole e Olena and Paolo De Marchi. Still pretty tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to fully unwind. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and espresso are some of the many aromas and flavors that start to open with a bit of aeration. The Isole Cabernet has a brilliant track record of aging. I expect the 2018 will one day take its place among the very finest editions." Vinous

"Lots of blackcurrants and currant bush with some graphite and black ink on the nose. Full-bodied with a chewy and polished tannin backbone and lots of blue fruit and stones in the finish. Sandalwood and violets, too. Great structure at the end. Give this time to soften. Try after 2025, but will age for a long time." James Suckling

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors." Wine Spectator

"Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is dense, powerful and soaring in intensity. A dark, almost somber Cepparello, the 2020 possesses remarkable depth from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, gravel, dried herbs and lavender build in a vivid, stunningly beautiful Cepparello that hits all the right notes." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great single-varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Radiant ruby red. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed onset, enveloping palate that delivers a perfectly measured acid framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and finesse-rich. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, strong ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The nose is very compact, with dark cherries, lots of blackberries and fine spicy notes. Radiant on the palate, shows lots of ripe red berry fruit, grippy, dense tannin coated with beautiful melting, firm and compact, long final." Falstaff

"Lots of liquorice and fennel seeds with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savoury flavours. Nice and fresh on the finish, with subtle flavours." James Suckling

"Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas recall the 2006, while the structured palate shows pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, infused with bright acidity. Vibrant and complex, it's still in its youthful phase but will be great once it's had time to develop." Decanter

"The 2019 Cepparello is very impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Generous and creamy, with its classic medium-bodied structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red and purple berry fruit. New leather, spice and a touch of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be an absolute top wine." Vinous

"One of the iconic wines of Tuscany, Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi. Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed an austere vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with delicate aromas of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 20 months in French barriques, one third of which is in new oak." Wine Advocate

There are only a few thousand bottles of this private collection. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Very precise and clear nose, opens with intense notes of cassis and mulberry, some rosemary and thyme, delicate earthy notes in the background. Lots of juicy, dark berry fruit in the attack and on the palate, opens up with dense, supple tannins, shows many layers, spans a wide range, firm pressure on the final, long finish." Falstaff

"A tightly wound style, exhibiting blackberry, black currant, cedar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Lively, with dense yet finely wrought tannins and a long, concentrated finish. Powerful, this remains within bounds." Wine Spectator

"Notes of chocolate-coated dark cherries and cassis with roasted walnut, nutmeg, cedar and spice box. Full-bodied, big and opulent with an array of ripe and compact tannins coming through. Toned acidity gives energy and juiciness to the dark fruit. Really polished and refined. Better from 2025." James Suckling

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata shows impeccable fruit ripeness and balance with a dark core of blackcurrant that is elegantly surrounded by spice and savory notes. This Cabernet Sauvignon embraces tobacco and baking chocolate. It delivers rich texture that needs a few more years in the bottle to soften. It also shows a balanced 15% alcohol that goes relatively unnoticed." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is one of the very finest vintages of the Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted, and I have had the good fortune to taste them all. Deep and unctuous, yet also full of Chianti Classico vibrancy, the Cabernet is breathtaking in its grandeur. Dark blue/purplish fruit, gravel, crushed rocks, incense, dried herbs and mocha saturate the palate. Deep and layered through to the finish, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is fantastic." Vinous

Only 3,000 bottles of the exceptional 2016 vintage reached the market. The grapes for this exceptional Chianti Classico come from vines that grow southwest at an altitude between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. The soil here is characterised by Galestro and limestone. Rich, deep dark ruby with a velvety sheen. Multi-layered, concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry, spices and menthol. Complex on the palate with a multi-faceted flavour profile that only opens up gradually and only reveals its full spectrum to the patient. A parade wine of great depth, class and irresistibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, impenetrable ruby red. Brooding, deep and concentrated with hints of oak and dark malt bread. Tightly woven, tangy red and dark fruits with fine, long and persistent tannins. Finely balanced. Transparent and elegant on the finish. Full-bodied." Jancis Robinson

"An intense, vibrant red, with traces of vanilla and toasted, resinous oak surrounding aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets and minerals. Balanced, with a resonant finish. Still youthful, with refined, mouth-flattering tannins, this wine has a long way to go." Wine Spectator

"Intriguing blueberry chocolate nose, also nuances of black pepper; balanced on the palate with beautiful polish, the acidity and tightly woven tannins accurately integrated, combining finesse and great length. Great." Vinum

"This is a beautiful wine made only in the best vintages. The Isole e Olena 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is 90% Sangiovese, complemented by tiny proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The wine is hugely bright and vibrant in this classic vintage with persistent fruit and cherry that remains intact and fresh even when tasted now, five years after harvest. Hints of leather, tar and potting soil gently fill out the back. This wine promises long and healthy ageing in the future." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is stunning. This is hardly a surprise, as Paolo De Marchi is known for making compelling Gran Seleziones in his own unique style. The 2016 is a brilliant, concentrated wine, bursting with energy from start to finish. It is the rare wine that develops superbly in the glass and opens up with time. The blend is 90% Sangiovese with a few drops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors." Wine Spectator

"Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is dense, powerful and soaring in intensity. A dark, almost somber Cepparello, the 2020 possesses remarkable depth from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, gravel, dried herbs and lavender build in a vivid, stunningly beautiful Cepparello that hits all the right notes." Vinous

The grapes for this exceptional Chianti Classico come from vines that grow southwest at an altitude of between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. The soil here is characterised by Galestro and limestone. Rich, deep dark ruby with a velvety sheen. Multi-layered, concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry, spices and menthol. Complex on the palate with a multi-faceted flavour profile that only opens up gradually and only reveals its full spectrum to the patient. A parade wine of great depth, class and irresistibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby garnet. Opens with slightly smoky notes, lush cedar, then lots of blackberry and ripe dark cherry, some tobacco in the background. Lush and present in attack and progression, shows lots of juicy, present fruit, opens with fine-meshed, pithy tannin, describes a long arc, good tension." Falstaff

"The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, essentially a selection of the best barrels of Cepparello, is a gorgeous wine. More than anything, the 2015 is remarkable considering the challenges of a growing season in which rain during harvest created significant challenges. Nevertheless, Paolo De Marchi coaxed all of the potential out of his vines in 2015, adding a good dollop of Petit Verdot to the Sangiovese in crafting the Gran Selezione. Dense, powerful and beautifully textured, with intense underpinnings of saline minerality. The 2015 has a brilliant future." Vinous