2009 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico...Quiet Perfection
Peter Hemenway in Tuscany
February 7, 2012
“Isole e Olena seems to fly under the radar, but insiders know better. Proprietor Paolo De Marchi crafts some of the most engaging wines in all of Tuscany, and Italy for that matter.” -Antonio Galloni
Of course, Isole e Olena has been very much on the radar here at Federal for many years. Paolo is an old friend of the store and visits every year. Before I got here eight years ago, even Len knew how good these wines are.
Paolo is also very modest about all of the high praise he and his wines recieve. Isole e Olena is always one of my favorite stops on my trips to Tuscany. It is a fairly isolated property inside the forests on the beautiful hills outside Barberino Val d’Elsa. Everything, from plant density to the choice of barrells has been worked out by Paolo to allow the greatest possible expression in the wines produced from these particular vineyards.
The 2009 vintage in Chianti Classico is, in general, very, very good and some of the wines are superb. The 2009 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico displays a nice richness to the flavors and great balance. My second and third impressions led me to believe that this is as fine as any Riserva bottling from other producers.
In fine vintages Paolo also bottles a selection of his finest Sangiovese under the Cepparello label. 2008 was not a perfect vintage. The best wines, however, display a classic elegance that is all too rare. This is the case with the 2008 Isole e Olena Cepparello. A fine texture is the key here, as well as terrific balance. This is the style of wine that I really treasure. For those of you who prefer a wine that leads more with power, we still have few six packs of the excellent 2007 Isole e Olena Cepparello here and you can mix those with the other two wines for as long as they last.
2009 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico: Bright ruby. Generous cherry and black cherry aromas with spice, mineral and balsam notes. Rich, still restrained textured flavors, balanced finish. Very Good Plus to Excellent 26.99/bottle 24.29/mixed case 22.94/case
2008 Isole e Olena Cepparello: Bright ruby. black cherry aroma with an herbal texture, balsam some smoke and leather. Rich, crisp fruit flavors. Very clean sense of structure with an elegant, balanced razor precise finish. Excellent 74.99/bottle 67.49/mixed case 63.74/case
Special six pack: Three bottles each of the above wines for a special price of $275
Special mixed case: Six each of the above wines for a special price of $ 520
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve by email here: Orders
Images:
Left above - Isole, Tuscany
Left below - Paolo and Marta De Marchi
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts.