Isole e Olena
About Isole e Olena
Made all the more impressive given the incredibly high bar set by the two previously outstanding vintages (2015 and 2016), Isole e Olena has been on a relentless march of excellence in recent years. Currently one of the most widely loved and highly sought-after producers in Tuscany, the Piedmont-native de Marche family purchased two properties, Isole and Olena, in the 1960s before combining them to leave current owner Paolo de Marche as the passionate head of an iconic estate situated on the Western flank of Chianti Classico.
Exposed to the cooling maritime influences of ocean breezes more so than almost any other producer, Isole e Olena benefits greatly from tempering of the ferocious Tuscan sun as a result, slowing ripening thus allowing beautiful development of fruit without soaring alcohol nor elevated sugars. Its effect on the final wines is clear for all to taste, with a more elegant, fresh and beautifully perfumed character than many of their neighbours.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Tuscany | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€643.67 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2016 Cepparello is dense, dark and also very closed in on itself. Those qualities bode well for the future, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and new leather gradually open up in the glass, but the 2016 is not ready to show all of its cards. This fruit was brought in during the second week of October, which is pretty much optimal at Isole e Olena. The 2016 spent 20 months in French oak, with a bit less than 30% new oak, and a few months in cask prior to bottling. An explosion of floral and spice notes punctuates the super-refined finish. The 2016 is shaping up to be epic. Don't miss it! |
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Tuscany | 2 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€526.07 |
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Wine Advocate (96)A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine's appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage. Production is 42,000 bottles. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€566.77 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Mid crimson. Immediately more complex on the nose with fruit and spice and hint of cigar box. Really tangy on the palate, vibrant and mouth-filling at the same time. Chewy tannins need time. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€339.97 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Barberino Tavernelle. 82% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 3% Syrah. Lustrous mid ruby. A concentrated cherry nose loaded with dark spice. Succulent, tangy cherry fruit with a mint oak note. Building up in concentration on the finish but without losing its freshness or elegance. A wine that never disappoints, regardless of vintage. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€186.78 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Barberino Tavernelle. 82% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 3% Syrah. Lustrous mid ruby. A concentrated cherry nose loaded with dark spice. Succulent, tangy cherry fruit with a mint oak note. Building up in concentration on the finish but without losing its freshness or elegance. A wine that never disappoints, regardless of vintage. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€832.07 |
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Vinous (96)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. |
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Tuscany | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,087.98 |
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Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
Tuscany | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
In Bond
€514.00 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2016 Cepparello is dense, dark and also very closed in on itself. Those qualities bode well for the future, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and new leather gradually open up in the glass, but the 2016 is not ready to show all of its cards. This fruit was brought in during the second week of October, which is pretty much optimal at Isole e Olena. The 2016 spent 20 months in French oak, with a bit less than 30% new oak, and a few months in cask prior to bottling. An explosion of floral and spice notes punctuates the super-refined finish. The 2016 is shaping up to be epic. Don't miss it! |
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|
Tuscany | 2 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
€416.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine's appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage. Production is 42,000 bottles. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
€435.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Mid crimson. Immediately more complex on the nose with fruit and spice and hint of cigar box. Really tangy on the palate, vibrant and mouth-filling at the same time. Chewy tannins need time. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
€246.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Barberino Tavernelle. 82% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 3% Syrah. Lustrous mid ruby. A concentrated cherry nose loaded with dark spice. Succulent, tangy cherry fruit with a mint oak note. Building up in concentration on the finish but without losing its freshness or elegance. A wine that never disappoints, regardless of vintage. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
€137.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Barberino Tavernelle. 82% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 3% Syrah. Lustrous mid ruby. A concentrated cherry nose loaded with dark spice. Succulent, tangy cherry fruit with a mint oak note. Building up in concentration on the finish but without losing its freshness or elegance. A wine that never disappoints, regardless of vintage. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€671.00 |
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Vinous (96)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. |
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Tuscany | 1 | - |
In Bond
€888.00 |
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