Isole e Olena Syrah Collezione Privata 2018
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Enthusiast
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
This single vineyard Syrah was inspired by winemaker Paolo de Marchi's experimentation with international varieties, expressed through the Chianti Classico terroir. Intense and concentrated, with classic pepper and spice aromas, big and rich on the palate with excellent length.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Isole e Olena 2018 Syrah Collezione Privata (co-fermented with 2% Viognier) is especially Tuscan in character in this warm-vintage expression. The fruit is rich and dense with dried blackberry, plum and hints of rum cake or Christmas spice. Syrah also brings forth aromas of cured meat and sweet barbecue smoke, and you definitely get some of that here as well, especially on the tail end of the mouthfeel. The wine boasts plush softness in terms of its flavors, but there is enough structure here to pair with important meat dishes.
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James Suckling
So beautiful, with sweet tobacco-leaf, tea, pepper, meat and dark-berry character. Medium-bodied with lots of finesse and polish. Refined tannins and pretty length. Really fine tannins. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of black-skinned berry, mocha and cedar lead the nose. The structured, savory palate offers blackberry jam, toasted hazelnut, espresso and vanilla alongside polished tannins.
Other Vintages
2019-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
Founded in 1956 by Francesco De Marchi, this historic Chianti Classico estate is located in the western part of the denomination, near Castellina in Chianti, in the commune of Barberina Val d’Elsa. Isole e Olena’s 56 hectares (138 acres) of vineyards sit at 350-450 meters (1,148 – 1,476 feet) above sea level on soils of galestro and marly schist.
In 1975, Francesco’s son, Paolo De Marchi, ushered in a new era at Isole e Olena by taking over the estate. With his background in agricultural studies, Paolo started to revolutionize the winery beginning in the vineyards. He began experiments with the clear goal of enhancing the quality of the region, improving the performance of the local grape varieties (mainly Sangiovese) through massal selection, and mapping his galestro-driven soils. Thanks to the philosophy of Paolo De Marchi, Isole e Olena is considered among the pioneer estates who led the quality renaissance of Chianti Classico starting in the 1970s and becoming a reference for the area.
1980 saw the first bottling of Cepparello, a pure Sangiovese from old vines, aged in barrique, which in time has become an emblem of Isole e Olena. First classified as “vino da tavola” (table wine) it went on to become one of the first Supertuscan wines, showing the character and longevity of Sangiovese from this high-altitude corner of Chianti Classico. Cepparello is the result of Paolo’s extensive study of the Sangiovese grape and his belief in the potential of its expression.
Today Isole e Olena is recognized for the leading role it played in the emergence of the Chianti Classico region and respected for its authentic style of Chianti Classico – fragrant and well-balanced with purity of fruit – which is representative of its high-altitude territory. In addition to Chianti Classico and Cepparello, Isole e Olena also produces a series of single varietal wines: Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as an acclaimed Vin Santo.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.