2007 Isole e Olena Cepparello

An outstanding Tuscan Sangiovese.
Opaque dark crimson red colour with crimson red hue. The nose is very expressive with perfumed scents of dark cherry, violets and dark plum with some cedar, earth and spice end notes. Medium to full bodied the palate possesses ample richness, excellent length and great finesse with mouthfilling flavours of dark cherry, black plum and spice along with some earthy cedar, leather and spice characters. Dry finish with fine grained balanced tannin structure. Long dark cherry, earthy cedar, spice and leather aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years (2017-2018)
Alc 14.5% Other Reviews….
The 2007 Cepparello (Sangiovese) makes a case for itself as one of the finest wines ever made at Isole e Olena. It is an open, sublime Cepparello endowed with tons of clarity and definition. The ripe red fruit floats on a core of refined, silky tannins that caress the palate with exceptional elegance and finesse. As the wine sits in the glass its inner perfume gradually emerges, leading to an eternal, beautifully crafted finish. The ripeness of the vintage is beautifully balanced by the acidity that is the trademark of Sangiovese grown in these hillside plots. Simply put, this is an utterly thrilling wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years. In many ways, the restraint, elegance and polish all suggest Cepparello is the Haut-Brion of Tuscany’s high-end, pure Sangioveses.

The 2007 Cepparello was fermented in wood uprights and saw three weeks of contact on the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place in equal parts steel and French oak. The final blend was assembled and the wine was subsequently aged in French oak barrels (1/3 new) for 18 months. Proprietor Paolo De Marchi describes the 2007 season as one where periods of heat alternated with well-timed spells of rain. Overall temperatures remained warm (but never extreme) throughout the year, which allowed the fruit to ripen evenly. Still, it was a challenging vintage, and De Marchi was forced to carry out a stringent selection in his vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.
96 points
Antonio Galloni – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate