2006 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
The 2006 Chianti Classico is especially round in this vintage. The wine shows gorgeous transparency in its perfumed fruit, sweet herbs and flowers, with excellent persistence and a long, refined finish. As always, this is a fresh Chianti with plenty of verve, and it will offer its most enjoyable drinking at the dinner table.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Chianti Classico is especially round in this vintage. The wine shows gorgeous transparency in its perfumed fruit, sweet herbs and flowers, with excellent persistence and a long, refined finish. As always, this is a fresh Chianti with plenty of verve, and it will offer its most enjoyable drinking at the dinner table. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. Proprietor Paolo De Marchi is one of Tuscany’s most inspired growers. As is often the case, the wines are very strong across the board. Various American importers, including: Petit Pois, Merion, PA; tel. (856) 608-9644; Carolina Wine Company, Norwood, MA; tel. (781) 278-2000; Giuliana Imports, Boulder, CO; tel. (303) 449-5477; The Country Vintner, Louisa, VA; tel. (804) 784-2886; Grape Expectation Inc., Richmond, CA; tel. (510) 412-5969; Bommarito Wines, Saint Louis, MO; tel. (314) 961-8996; Connoisseur Wines, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 561-8705
Bright ruby with some orange reflexes. Meaty, savoury nose. Sweet fruit attack, immediately followed by refreshing acidity. Persistent, crunchy tannins in a long, succulent fruit finish. Impressive. (WS)
Cherry, violet, redcurrant, chocolate and savoury spice. Very smooth with excellent balance. (RH)
About the producer
Situated north of Castellina, on the western side of Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena was created by the De Marchi family in the 1950s and has since become one of the region’s leading names. It is renowned for its top bottling Cepparello, a pure Sangiovese, as well as its brilliant Chardonnay.